Oberman Knocks - Beatcroft Slabs

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 25 / 7 / 2012

Label: Aperture Records
Format: CD

Confusing but possibly brilliant second album from Oberman Koncks, the electronic project of Sheffield-based musician Nigel Truswell

Review

The grit and grime reach alarming levels on Oberman Knocks' second album 'Beatcroff Slabs'. Little poignant fun, like that on the debut which became one of my favourites of 2009, is to be had. The industrial sinisterness on 'Beatcroff Slabs' suck you down into a whirlpool with its glowing electronic menace and sense of suspense. The beauty of the beast then only first comes to surface with the wacky waltz of 'Degonnt Type Runners'. The first half of the CD is a brainwashing experience- burn all your Warp Records for instance. The album's better half brings in space invader sound effects like salsa, which is desperately needed with this wryly humoured electronica dish. Inspired perhaps by David Lynch's 'Eraserhead' this album celebrates grey matter. The latter sounds of 'Beatcroff Slabs' draw life into the deepest realms of the electronica dimension. Meant to twist one's ears from the onset, the CD version has too many different stages of affrontry and since I have not heard the LP (yet), I remain in doubt. That is usually a good sign though. I mistrust music that sounds attractive immediately. Oberman Knocks certainly maintains his attitude and stance but after weeks I still have not made up my mind. The flimsy, yet Spartan start and the rather soft final touches may melt in fine style on the abridged LP of 'Beatcroff Slabs'. The 16-track CD offers too much, but who's complaining when you can select tracks on a CD?

Track Listing:-

1 Ak-himp Rise
2 Gonn Blass Locker
3 Maightch
4 Konshun Four
5 Leckren Verso
6 Tek-fir Blades
7 Degonnt Type Runners
8 Fewton Tension Kords
9 Cozermas
10 Ketra Ripp
11 Jawbin Breaks
12 Scanlon's Heaping Gore Pull
13 Jamcole Partition
14 Lenkmyte
15 Mighton Ogan Lode
16 Pneuquonsis on Return