The latest album, their sixth, seems to be a departure from previous projects and heralds a new direction for Deep Forest. English lyrics are used in many of the tracks, mingled with Asian languages. The album also stands out because real drums – played by David Fall of Senegal – are used for the first time in a studio album. On previous albums synthesised drums were the norm.
The French group is not as dependent on loops as before, performing with more instruments, including violin – played by Michel Sanchez's daughter, Cecile – and guitar. Kifu Mitsuhashi plays the Shakuhachi in the Japanese-influenced “Yuki Song”. But the increased use of instruments does not mean the group has abandoned its electronic sound, which is in fact enhanced by the real instruments.
| TRACK LISTING
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1. India
2. Endangered Species
3. Soul Elevator
4. Computer Machine
5. Yuki Song
6. Beauty In Your Eyes
7. Elemental
8. Far East
9. Deep Blue Sea
10. Will You Be Ready
11. In the Evening
12. Dignity
13. Endangered Species (Galleon Remix) |
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From the very first track of the album, with its Indian, electronic and rock blend, you know this is going to be a very different experience. Eric Mouquet and Michel Sanchez are joined by a host of sensational artists and vocalists, including Indian singer Mahalakshmi Iyer on the opening track “India”, blues vocalist Beverly Jo Scott on three tracks, and Indonesian signing sensation Anggun, who sings in both English and her native tongue.
Another change for Deep Forest is the departure from the previous format where the group focused on specific geographical regions. Music Detected incorporates elements from Turkey, Bali, India and Japan, with nods to Russia and China, blended seamlessly with Western blues and dance genres.
While a few tracks stand out as the best of the album – “Beauty In Your Eyes”, “Elemental”, and “Deep Blue Sea” – the entire album is riveting.
Long-time Deep Forest fans might be perturbed at the change in direction, but Music Detected is still Deep Forest. The album is an evolution rather than a betrayal of the past, and will probably bring in many new fans. I can't wait to hear what they do on their next CD.
