While this blog is mainly focused on the Adelaide music scene, every now and then I'll take the opportunity to talk about some of my all-time favourite albums. Today's story is about a lady named ComputeHer and her debut album Data Bass.
Data Bass was mostly created on a modded GameBoy. And yes, I do mean the original beige "didn't-even-fit-in-your-pocket" model.
Now sure, that got my geek senses tingling, but that turned out to be just a tease. Mere foreplay. Check out the absolute nerdgasm that is the album cover:
Incase you're a bit young: that's a 5 1/4" floppy disc - the kind used in the Commodore 64 [which was also used in the production of this album]. The CD itself has a black bottom [like game discs for the original PlayStation], and it even comes with a spare bit of black plastic so the idea isn't lost when the CD is in your stereo. While creating music that almost exclusively appeals to what I like to call "The Download Genetation", ComputeHer has made a CD that deserves to be purchased.
Fuck yes.
Data Bass is pretty much an entire Super Mario Bros game in 35 minutes. Each song is a different stage. You get an intro and easy-to-get first level, before the album delves into tracks obviously inspired by underwater levels, bonus "everything-is-coins" levels, space levels, "whoever-designed-this-was-almost-certainly-on-shrooms" levels, fortress levels, and boss battles.
But more than this "retro-throwback", Data Bass really does have some musical substance. The beats can be epic, and the drums can be balls-out rockin' at times. Within the first few minutes, the synth melodies will have you tapping your fingers in time with your feet. Somehow, by combining all these old-skool elements, ComputeHer has managed to craft an album that is as new and refreshing as it is reminiscent. When all I want is a smile on my face, it's hard for me to scroll past ComputeHer. I dare you to try and surpress your giggle while listening to "Coco Kitty".
ComputeHer manages to bridge the seemingly unbridgeable gap between the cute funness of Radio Spectacular!!!, and the electro-awesplosion of Art vs Science.
Word is a new album should be out soon.
The CD is limited to 500 copies, and is only US$14.95 including worldwide shipping from CD Baby
Check out more sample tracks at ComputeHer.net
ComputeHer on MySpace
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