Brasilia - s/t
(Unovis)
Naming themselves after the mysterious Brazilian capital that was designed as a modernist utopia by Oscar Niemeyer is entirely appropriate. From the Russian Suprematist style propaganda sheet that is the CD's booklet to the lyrics, the album seems to have a utopia in mind--and specifically a Marxist (or at the very least a non-capitalist) one. It also should be noted that the entire packaging was lovingly handmade.
Honestly, however, beyond the packaging, and text-book Marxist lyrics like, "Should it be that our lives reflect the highest value of our assets," there is not a lot to say. The music features remarkably warm analogue synths, bass guitar, drums, and semi-deadpan female vocals, and the songs don't vary too widely from each other. Most of them featuring a dense drone, overlaid with anoalogue synth melodies, and singing. I don't, however, mean to insinuate by this that it isn't good--because I like very much; it is just that the packaging and the politics take a front page over the music--which depending on who you are--can be a good or a bad thing. Not every song is political in nature, but the non-political songs are definitely exceptions.
So, however you feel about the politics involved, underneath those politics are nice electronic pop songs. If you agree with the politics, then there is certainly a lot for you to agree with, and if you don't, although you certainly can't ignore them--they demand your attention simply with their consistency--you can certainly still enjoy this very pleasant piece of pop.
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