Meshing a range of musical styles in a blender, the men and women of Slang have concocted a smooth and melodic album of pleasant instrumentals. The Bellwether Project (a bellwether being a leading indicator of future trends) unites jam band veterans with electronica innovators to create a space cowboy vibe, rich with twangy guitar work and funky drum loops, but often in desperate need of vocals.
The Bellwether Project contains some of the finest porno music you'll ever hear. Slang avoids clich‚s through experimentation, working with sounds rarely found in guitar-driven jams. Turntable scratching is featured prominently amidst jazz guitar and creepy synths, with heavily affected vocals humming in the background. The depressing-looking liner notes even boast a device called "The Groove Activator" on nearly every track.
The album's production is immaculate. Each track is textured and intricate, taking full advantage of the capabilities of a digital studio. Care and effort went into the stereo placement of every overdub and fill, making Bellwether a headphone experience not to be missed.
Vocals would ice Slang's cake in the most satisfying of ways, but the ambient instrumentalists have forgone them in most tracks. Therein lies the tragedy of Slang. The music and beats would acquiesce perfectly with a sung-out chorus or a smooth gangsta flow. But alas, there is none to be heard.
Slang has poured heart and effort into some truly intriguing songs. Yet it will still be relegated to the background, forever serenading us through car commercials, psychedelic movies, and the occasional smut.
