Culprit One- No Need to Ask

Artist: Culprit One
CD Title: No Need To Ask (single)
Label: My Kung Fu
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 1/23/06

Although this single is a little funkier and more accessible than Culprit One’s Aqoon Guud EP, it’s no less eccentric; think Aphex Twin, but less sinister. Title track “No Need To Ask” is based on multiple loops of chiming electronics and vocals alternating between cut-up hip-hop samples and a wispy alternative pop chorus. It’s intricate enough for fans of abstract electronics, but catchy enough not to turn off people with a less intellectual bent. “Electric State” is mellow and laid back, with quiet loops and more chimes set to a relaxed drumbeat, and “Aliaga” is as slow and relaxing as a nice warm bath, with just enough distorted rhythmic funk to keep things from getting too soporific. Good stuff, although it’s barely enough to whet the appetite; hopefully composer James Hannam will sit down and record a full-length album sometime soon, but in the meantime check this one out for a bite-sized snack of pleasant experimental techno.

Visit Culprit One online at www.culpritone.com.