Robot+Proud

"Houses, stars and heads make music"

Winter at Night
I Am Robot And Proud
Grace Days
Catmobile : 2003
[Listen] [Buy]

Osaka [I Am Robot And Proud remix]
Girls Are Short
You Make Me This Happy
Piehard : 2002
[Listen] [Out of Print]

Places We're Trying To Find
I Am Robot And Proud
The Electricity In Your House Wants To Sing
Darla : 2005
[Listen] [Buy]

The Work
I Am Robot And Proud
The Electricity In Your House Wants To Sing
Darla : 2005
[Listen] [Buy]

Dream Machine Lullaby [I Am Robot And Proud remix]
.Tape.
You Make Me This Happy
Piehard : 2002
[Listen] [Out of Print]

I Am Robot And Proud [a.k.a. Shaw Han-Liem] has dominated my play list for at least a month. Shaw's style is pure IDM like no other - electronic mini piano's paired with that sound that you get when you hit partially-full glass bottles with a spoons, deep atmospheric bass lines and beats that are equally right for chillin or moving about the room. At times I am reminded of Orbital for his simultaneous depth and simplicity, Prefuse 73 for his percussive distinction and Mylo for the often inspirational sound. I learned of IARAP from Warp Records' newsletter regarding the re-issuing of two previously out of print IARAP albums: The Catch and Spring Summer Autumn Winter. Since then I've had the following tracks on repeat, because they're that fucking rad.

'Winter At Night' is a thick and bass laden sound scape that slowly builds on its density with a playful, upbeat melody until it hits hard and good at 2:49 (elapsed). 'Osaka' receives the remix treatment, featuring that thick bass, quick beat and great kawaii-spoken-Japanese sampling that kicks in at 2:06 (elapsed) - which is where the song really picks up. 'Places We're Trying To Find' is the first track that I knew that I had to post. It starts off light with vocals and acoustic strings doubled up by that smooth electronic bass later flowing into that playful melody. But this one always hits me at 1:25 - where the track transforms into the sound of pure electronic tears - while Prince is busy workin' on that zipper (bitch), this is what it sounds like when robots cry. 'The Work' reminds me very much of Mylo when it hits 1:42 - it's dense, inspiring and relaxed. 'Dream Machine Lullaby' is another remix originally by .Tape. where the 'playing spoons on partially-empty glass bottles' sound is in full effect. I'm ending with this one because its just so damn upbeat - like when the credits roll on a happy ending, happy beginning or during your speedy caffeinated drive to your morning destination.

More tracks can be heard on the I Am Robot And Proud myspace page - the absolute must-hear (my favorite) being 'Can't Afford It' from the elusive My Sky Your Sky release (which Warp should get to re-issuing on the double-pronto). Also, check out the IARAP home page by clicking the image above.

Enjoy & Stay Tuned.
-- Silent K