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.

Related: Gear heads, One night in Belgium, Hearts of gold, More

Topics: CD Reviews , Jose Gonzalez, Scott Herren

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