Gaudie CD review

GAUDIE:  SPOKEN WITHOUT WORDS
Review by Tim Hurley

The sophomore release from Fort Collins, Colorado based independent artist Ryan Gaudie (partnered with Not Lame Recordings) dives deeper into his world of electronic pop and trance, yet shows only a small departure from his 2002 album, "The World Failed".  However, this is not to say that there isn't some good listening on "Spoken Without Words".

Despite what he describes as heavy rock 'n roll influences growing up (Van Halen, Rush, Def Leppard), Gaudie's style is more similar to that of Crystal Method or Moby than that of 70's rock bands, showcasing his more modern tastes.  This disc highlights that throughout each track with heavy synthesizers, spacey drum beats, and raw guitar.  Songs such as "Voodoo Love Song" display world rhythms and modern dance sounds, immediately bringing to mind a hip club setting captained by a DJ and turntables.  However, Gaudie is the true musician here playing all instruments including guitars, bass, and some percussion which are then digitally multi-tracked over his keys and synth work.  His guitar talent is showcased well on tracks like "What Your Doin' Now", a sort of loose psychadelic trance song, and on "Race to the Red Light", a more upbeat Cure-esque dance shuffle.

At times this album sounds very simplistic and even a little redundant, especially in a time where trance-pop and industrial rock has saturated clubs and sushi bars in cities all over the world.  There is little unique substance to it, however, its sound soothes and does not annoy, providing an excellent background for any occasion and stands to be good bobble-head music.  "Spoken Without Words" is not a trailblazing disc but does prove that one man's instrumental talents and some well-aged recording equipment can lay the groundwork for real, pleasing art.

For more information on this disc and Gaudie's music visit his website:  www.ryangaudiemusic.com


Published September 2006 by Jammed Online Music Magazine (www.jammedonline.com)