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Zarko · 09-18-2009, 07:10 AM

Soundpool – Dif Juz (1999)

(Love this album cover)

GENRES – Rock, Ethereal, Alternative (Terrible allocations sorry)

Tracks
Hu - 2:54
Re - 4:28
Mi - 6:05
Cs - 5:02
Heset - 6:44
Diselt - 2:39
Gunet - 5:24
Soarn - 4:04
No Motion - 4:49

Dif Juz were a small time band from the early 80’s, and were one of the early bands on soon to be legendary alternative label 4AD. The group only released one full album. That album is not Soundpool. Soundpool is a ‘compilation’ of two EPs they released in 1981 under 4AD, before they changed labels (To subsequently go back to 4AD in two years time). Their first EP is ‘Huremics’, stretching out for 19 minutes over 4 songs (Hu, Re, Mi and CS). The other EP was ‘Vibrating Air’, also at 19 minutes in length over 4 songs (Heset, Diselt, Gunet and Soarn). The final song on this compilation is from another compilation of songs from bands under the 4AD label (No Motion). Despite their limited output, they are probably the most underrated 4AD band (Probably because of their lack of output). Although they do have another compilation of the 2 EPs, this in my opinion is the best mix and production, making it a worth listen. The styling is best described as dream pop/rock.

Hu kicks off proceedings, appropriately indicative of the bands style. Strong bass lines shine through (The band was heavily influenced by dub music), assisted by some intense drumming. Although it is loud in a sense, it is thick with atmospheric sounds and tones, almost celestial. At only 2:55, its pace makes this feel even shorter, but it is an almost perfect introduction to the band. Re follows similar form, with a slower base, best showing off the bands dream pop/rock approach, the song is calm and relaxing whilst maintaining its interest over 4 and a half minutes. The layering of sounds is fantastic.

Mi is the longest song from Huremics at 6 minutes, and it is the ‘sparsest’ creating a clean sound and ethereal nature, and sounds reverberate throughout the song. Cs starts out a bit darker and offers a more sporadic and intense beat as well as offering some downright amazing sounds and riffs. These four songs signal the end of Huremics, and it’s hard to pick just one favourite. Each offer something different that makes it worth listening to, however, in the same vein they are a terribly difficult band to review because it is hard to describe their music.

Heset kicks of part deux from the EP Vibrating Air, and whilst similar, offers a more haunting atmosphere, similarly sparse to Mi, but with a greater tempo. It has some amazing guitar work that breaks through the drumming/bass occasionally is sharp attacks. Diselt is almost more rock-ish, with few elongated bass notes that symbolise most of the bands work. Gunet is the most standout sound-wise. It’s laden with dark atmosphere in comparison to much of the album, and it is extremely deep layer wise. It is probably my favourite track from Vibrating Air.

Soarn is a quiet reflection piece to end the send EP, with the occasional touch of Eastern influence; however it is nothing to marvel at. A nice way to end an album normally, it doesn’t quite work when there is a follow up song. No Motion ends the album, and is off the 4AD compilation ‘Lonely Is An Eyesore’. It is fair to say that it tops off the album superbly. Offering a more aggressive base, the contributions by each member are not overshadowed in a crowning track (Unfortunate that it was a standalone recording), offering a spatial atmosphere that is amazing.

I thinks its obvious by the lack of writing that it is hard to describe exactly what Dif Juz do. I have really wasted your time here, because the only way you will get any semblance of an idea about the band is to experience them yourselves. It is a shame that the group released such a little catalogue and are generally unknown, as they definitely embody the 4AD sound and style, and match wits with some of the more lauded groups from the label, such as close friends the Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil. Any fan of early 4AD stuff, or Dub-Rock in general should definitely check it out.

8.3/10

– No Motion

Apologies for lack of posts in both this and the DCD thread, been a bit busy and been crook for a week and a bit now, not to mention the fact I just plain wasn’t listening to music. I am still clogged up and loopy, so the review might sound a bit weird/repetitive.

09-18-2009, 07:10 AM	#136 (permalink)
Zarko Barely Disheveled Zombie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1,196	Soundpool – Dif Juz (1999) (Love this album cover) GENRES – Rock, Ethereal, Alternative (Terrible allocations sorry) Tracks Hu - 2:54 Re - 4:28 Mi - 6:05 Cs - 5:02 Heset - 6:44 Diselt - 2:39 Gunet - 5:24 Soarn - 4:04 No Motion - 4:49 Dif Juz were a small time band from the early 80’s, and were one of the early bands on soon to be legendary alternative label 4AD. The group only released one full album. That album is not Soundpool. Soundpool is a ‘compilation’ of two EPs they released in 1981 under 4AD, before they changed labels (To subsequently go back to 4AD in two years time). Their first EP is ‘Huremics’, stretching out for 19 minutes over 4 songs (Hu, Re, Mi and CS). The other EP was ‘Vibrating Air’, also at 19 minutes in length over 4 songs (Heset, Diselt, Gunet and Soarn). The final song on this compilation is from another compilation of songs from bands under the 4AD label (No Motion). Despite their limited output, they are probably the most underrated 4AD band (Probably because of their lack of output). Although they do have another compilation of the 2 EPs, this in my opinion is the best mix and production, making it a worth listen. The styling is best described as dream pop/rock. Hu kicks off proceedings, appropriately indicative of the bands style. Strong bass lines shine through (The band was heavily influenced by dub music), assisted by some intense drumming. Although it is loud in a sense, it is thick with atmospheric sounds and tones, almost celestial. At only 2:55, its pace makes this feel even shorter, but it is an almost perfect introduction to the band. Re follows similar form, with a slower base, best showing off the bands dream pop/rock approach, the song is calm and relaxing whilst maintaining its interest over 4 and a half minutes. The layering of sounds is fantastic. Mi is the longest song from Huremics at 6 minutes, and it is the ‘sparsest’ creating a clean sound and ethereal nature, and sounds reverberate throughout the song. Cs starts out a bit darker and offers a more sporadic and intense beat as well as offering some downright amazing sounds and riffs. These four songs signal the end of Huremics, and it’s hard to pick just one favourite. Each offer something different that makes it worth listening to, however, in the same vein they are a terribly difficult band to review because it is hard to describe their music. Heset kicks of part deux from the EP Vibrating Air, and whilst similar, offers a more haunting atmosphere, similarly sparse to Mi, but with a greater tempo. It has some amazing guitar work that breaks through the drumming/bass occasionally is sharp attacks. Diselt is almost more rock-ish, with few elongated bass notes that symbolise most of the bands work. Gunet is the most standout sound-wise. It’s laden with dark atmosphere in comparison to much of the album, and it is extremely deep layer wise. It is probably my favourite track from Vibrating Air. Soarn is a quiet reflection piece to end the send EP, with the occasional touch of Eastern influence; however it is nothing to marvel at. A nice way to end an album normally, it doesn’t quite work when there is a follow up song. No Motion ends the album, and is off the 4AD compilation ‘Lonely Is An Eyesore’. It is fair to say that it tops off the album superbly. Offering a more aggressive base, the contributions by each member are not overshadowed in a crowning track (Unfortunate that it was a standalone recording), offering a spatial atmosphere that is amazing. I thinks its obvious by the lack of writing that it is hard to describe exactly what Dif Juz do. I have really wasted your time here, because the only way you will get any semblance of an idea about the band is to experience them yourselves. It is a shame that the group released such a little catalogue and are generally unknown, as they definitely embody the 4AD sound and style, and match wits with some of the more lauded groups from the label, such as close friends the Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil. Any fan of early 4AD stuff, or Dub-Rock in general should definitely check it out. 8.3/10 – No Motion Apologies for lack of posts in both this and the DCD thread, been a bit busy and been crook for a week and a bit now, not to mention the fact I just plain wasn’t listening to music. I am still clogged up and loopy, so the review might sound a bit weird/repetitive. Last edited by Zarko; 09-18-2009 at 10:46 AM.