Captured birds
(db_cptrd.xm)

Funk with a bit of reggae and techno. I like the synth melodies starting at 2:30 Some of the synths are a little too loud for my tastes. The bass, as usual, is good. The weird transition at 1:59 is kind of sudden and leaves you wondering where the last pattern went. Sometimes a wish there were some strings in the background to fill it up. Keep up the good work, Decibelter!

Posted by Pip Malt on Wed 16th May 2007

Decibelter has been releasing some of his best stuff ever lately, and he keeps the standards high with this piece. He's not moving far away from his usual style of funk, but still manages to give every song a generous dose of originality, an identity of its own. This is particulary significant in his recent stuff. I can't find even the slightest trace of stagnation. This song, Captured birds, starts out with a catchy hook, which is to be repeated several times throughout the piece in standard Decibelter fashion. In between these 'choruses' the listener is taken on a bumpy ride through a number of different parts, with constant changes in both mood and direction, harmony and rythm. The soloing is extremely enjoyable, and supported by a tight rythm section and a busy bass - it's amazing how many notes the composer manages to squeeze in without making the whole thing sound like a big mess. Great attention to details here. The structure is highly unorthodox, and might be hard to follow if you're not used to the style. Variation and unpredictability are the keywords, and it will require repeated listenings before you can enjoy this song to the fullest. But it's definitely worth it. It's still growing on me. This is very interesting and original music, and still just downright groovy. Highly recommended. I'm having a really hard time finding stuff to complain about here. The samples aren't of spectacular quality. Most of them sound dull and lifeless on their own, but are given lots of character through the music and the way they're used in the tracker. Replacing them would take away a lot of the charm. Apparently Decibelter made them all himself - some are synth/chip stuff and some sampled from electric bass/guitar. Technically, I have nothing to complain about - the mixing is nice and clean and the effects and features of Fasttracker are used to their fullest potential. Hats off to Decibelter.

Posted by drq on Mon 17th Jun 2002