January 24, 2000

Soundscape

Over The Edge Page 9

Soun

Sca

e

Jazzberry Ram “That Sound We Make” is
That Sound We Make the third album by

Vancouver-based indie act
Jazzberry Ram. Jazzberry
‘4 Ram is known for their ener-
getic, reeling musical style
and “That Sound We Make”
continues in this vibe.
Described as “Ben Folds
Five hits the Beastie Boys,”
they have a very unique,
amazing eclectic style not
easily comparable to other
bands. Songs like “Shoe
s7Shine” have a_ definite

Nirvana element, while oth-
ers like“Drink” sound like the
Irish Descendents on speed.
Jazzberry Ram borrow bits
from incredibly diverse influ-
ences, from Thelonius Monk
to Pink Floyd to the Beastie
Boys and back again.
Combine this with a definite
Celtic undertone and you
have that funky sound they
make. The album does seem
to lack some of the energy
1994’s “Super Fishy Allah
Tea” contained, however

musically and lyrically the
band has grown by leaps
and bounds. As well, the for-

mers best track, “Pablo Jack.

Horner’ is included.on “That
Sound We Make” for your lis-
tening pleasure. All this
being said, evaluating
Jazzberry Ram from a studio
album is comparable to judg-
ing the Grateful Dead from
one of theirs. Jazzberry
Ram’s live shows are .leg-
endary, and since |

recently expressed interest

they've

in playing up here, maybe
we will have the opportunity
to experience one very soon.

-Michelle Dubuc

It’s not everyday that a UNBC stu-
dent is a DJ, and cuts his own CD.
Anthony Voitik, AKA DJ Cypher
recently did just that.

An undergraduate student going for
his general degree in UNBC’s busi-
ness program, Cypher has been
active in Prince George’s rave scene
ever since he came here from Prince
Rupert, where his interest in techno
culminated. His CD, “Energy Stored
as Memory” is a catchy compilation
which Cypher refuses to classify,
claiming that it can’t be classified by
the few individual categories which
record stores have forced techno into.
A mix of progressive trance and
house is the closest which one can
place it. Either way, his stereophonic
vibes have their way of working their
way right down your spinal cord when
you turn up the stereo to this disc.

Voitik originally got his start in
music playing guitar in bands local to
Prince Rupert, including Bedlan and

Victoria’s Secret. Soon enough, he
was introduced to the international
rave/techno scene through the influ-

(¢6

ence of euro groups such as Orbital,

Josh Winx, Juno Reactor, Ed Rush +

Optical and the Future Sound of
London.

He now likes the ability to “control

a whole orchestra of music” and its

unique “distinctiveness of sound”

which creating the

usic himself offers.

[DJ Cypher behind his wheels of steel.

Why Prince George then? While
Cypher wishes to someday make a
profession out of his music, going as
far as to be actively seeking a promo-
tional signing, he also is keeping a
straight head in a highly competitive
industry, and is firm in restricting him-
self to finishing his degree first...if
something comes up in the meantime
though...?

Prince George also has a small
rave scene - why would someone

with the talent of Cypher be promot-

ing out of PG? In regards to this
question, he pointed out that while

PG has a small scene it is also a sort

of an “oasis” in an overly commercial-
ized rave show market. “$40 rave
tickets don’t happen here because
nobody is trying to make money off of
the raves. What we sell the tickets for
goes right back into the rave itself in
the form of equipment, decorations,
and location.” Cypher also likes the
fact that raving hasn’t become a fad
in Prince George, as it has else-
where. Those people who go out to

raves go because they really want to
be there and be part of the scene.
“That's the way it is in Europe. Raves
still have an underground following,
they still focus on the roots of the rave
culture,’ Cypher goes on.

With such a respect and passion
for the innovative style of techno
which he creates, “Energy Stored as
Memory” is sure to impress more
than just the avid fan of house and
trance; his. mystifying sonic energy
carries a listener ina dream like way.

_ If you. are interested in catching

Cypher live, and missed him at the
"fave at UNBC.on the 21st, he will be

spinning live with Chris Sheppard on
the 15th of February. if you would like
to request a copy of his CD or are
interested in the creation of techno,
Cypher invites you to contact him via
e-mail at avoitik@hotmail.com, or
through Over The Edge.

-Kevin Milos