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***Mastered by Guy at The Exchange is a diverse collection of energetic songs for voice, keyboards, guitar, assorted instruments and a combination of real, programmed and electronically manipulated percussion. This last, highly diverting ingredient has misled many a lazy ear into assuming that Ben Jacobs, the brain and now voice behind Max Tundra, is primarily an electronic artist. While tracks such as "Fuerte" and "Acorns" demonstrate his formidable skill as a programmer, his work is characterized by subtlety, a relaxed manner, and sounds employed among a broad range of instrumentation. His dazzling eclecticism, attention to detail, and limitless musical resources are tempered by restraint and good judgement. The introduction of vocals for the first time does nothing to tame his restless and expansive sense of development, and while the deceptive commercial radio sheen of brassy opener "Merman" or "Lysine" (the first single) may at least suggest the lightness and immediacy of accessible pop, the irregular, sung sections of "Cabasa," "Pocket" and "MBGATE" draw attention to Max Tundra's unconventional nature. Computer-generated material forms only one element of the music, and Jacobs applies the care and cool detachment of the programmer to every element of this constantly surprising record. The roles of electronic wizard and multi-instrumentalist are combined in a way that enables them to rid each other of their more hideous connotations. The immaculate vocals delivered by Ben and his sister Becky, combined with the charming wit and sincerity of songs such as his hilariously compressed employment history "Lights" will attract listeners unaccustomed to the rewarding complexities of this ambitious and adventurous brain-pop. |
