CD Reviews

Savath and Savalas

Golden Pollen | Anti-

By DAVID DAY | July 2, 2007

2.5 Stars

As Prefuse 73, producer Scott Herren has carved a niche for himself in the sample-heavy realm of electronica. But as Savath & Savalas, he’s proved he can make more-organic music, too. On the second Savath & Savalas full-length, he plays everything from Cuban tres to flamenco guitar to harmonium and concertina; he also sings. The result is a gloriously glassy album brimming with Hispanic sounds and surfer-boy harmonies. Herren’s own vocals are majorly multi-tracked on “El Solitario,” which features a cascade of Spanish lyrics. Even when he puts other singers in the spotlight — that’s José González on “Estrellas de Dos Caras” — the effect is much the same. The misstep here is that it all sounds too safe — rarely does he deviate from the sweet, melodious splendor of previous S&S discs. Golden Pollen is still a welcome addition to Herren’s discography, but it’s hard to pick even one track that stands out.

Topics: CD Reviews , Jose Gonzalez, Scott Herren

| More

See more deals

view all

[ 05/29 ] PuppeTyranny present "Beans! Beans! Beans!" @ 95 Empire

[ 05/29 ] "2012 RISD Graduate Thesis Exhibition" @ Rhode Island Convention Center

[ 05/29 ] "TechnoCraft: Where High Tech Meets Handmade," @ Jamestown Arts Center

ARTICLES BY DAVID DAY

DAY BY DAY BY DAY | September 18, 2007
Two years ago, the Phoenix asked me to write a weekly column about Boston’s growing electronic music and DJ scene.

THE DUFF CONNECTION | September 12, 2007
“I really haven’t had to deal with any crazy paparazzi, since we usually keep a low profile and sneak in the back door of places.”

BASSTOWN NIGHTS | September 12, 2007
If 2006 was the year Boston germinated, 2007 is the year it grows up.

PARTY PROS | September 06, 2007
Weekend Warriors, or WKND WRYRZ, is the Sunday-night lounge party at ZuZu in Central Square.

CITIZENS OF BASSTOWN | August 29, 2007
The proliferation of dance parties in Boston has led not only to a rise in the number of DJs but also to a growth in the ranks of dancers.