Martyn Bennett
Bothy Culture
Rykodisc
Who wants Gaelic-ethnic-electronica?
Anyone familiar with Martyn’s work in Mouth Music knows what an uplifting and invigorating blend traditional Gaelic, trance-hop and African rhythms make. With Bothy Culture, he explores those avenues further, individually and collectively, with a heavier accent on the ethnic side this time, evoking more of a village party than a trendy club scene.
I found Mouth Music’s first few releases creative and exciting, but by their third too mired in overbearing compromises for mainstream acceptance – a bit too over-blanded. But here I can again feel him reaching out farther; he’s striving for that cutting edge of blends again and achieving some nifty soundscapes consequentially.
Bothy Culture is great for relaxing while remaining aurally stimulated (no brain strain).
Some tracks here could pass for a Rusted Root instrumental. Some tracks are as a “party tune with a pile of twaddle on top,” while others are just fine fiddling with a pile of trance on top. Some would be good for some low-impact jigging, but some are also included that will get you into that maximum heart range. Rykodisc, Shetland Park, 27 Congress St., Salem, MA 01970; http://www.rykodisc.com
