On June 9, 2011, I reviewed the still relevant album “Cosmic Knockout“ by SAMAVAYO from Berlin. The review of this record can be read here:
http://www.ramtatta.de/reviews,id-1026,go-samavayo+_+cosmic+knockout.html
The band's first release was the EP “131“. The EP was released on April 12, 2003, exclusively as a 10“ vinyl.
The vinyl has long been sold out, but SAMAVAYO is still around, and thus the demand for the first release has never completely waned.
The times have moved on, and even though the demand for vinyl is currently rising again, the band has decided to re-release “131“ only digitally.
The sound has not been remastered. The songs have not been re-recorded. Therefore, the pure sound from 2003 can be heard. Eight tracks, and nothing more.
Eight tracks, that's how punk bands used to record, and that's how SAMAVAYO recorded as well. Consequently, the sound comes across as weak and noisy compared to today's mostly used digital technology. Truly retro. However, it is also more honest, as this is the pure sound!
This fits perfectly with the music of SAMAVAYO.
Psychedelic rock, noise, alternative rock, and the joy of experimenting make the six songs interesting pieces even after eight years. “131“ also shows that SAMAVAYO is not a flash in the pan, but that the sound they play in 2011 has its roots in 2003.
For fans of the band, the re-release is surely like Christmas, especially since there is also a bonus track on the re-release.
For people who are just getting to know the band, “131“ is a raw piece of sound worth discovering.
