Spread the Social Love:

Review: Bleed Electric – This is my Masterpiece [Album]

Altsounds Records // "‘This Is My Masterpiece.’ is not quite what I was expecting but that makes it even better."

by johnedden, October 8th, 2012 and has been Read 1027 times.
Last Edited by: Chris MUG5 Maguire October 8th, 2012.

Follow @johnedden

As a fan of the electronic music genre, the name Bleed Electric really excites me. Just thinking about the name draws up various connotations of synthesisers and beats galore. This EP must surely be a well-crafted electronic piece of art, with futuristic sounding choruses, winding synth-lines and frenetic rhythms. However, any excitement from the name is lost as you glance at the EP’s title, ‘This Is My Masterpiece.’ Really? Well if that’s not setting the bar high, I don’t know what is. Cue the sense I am about to be bitterly disappointed……

‘This Is My Masterpiece.’ open with ‘A New Reason;’ a track that hits you hard in the face with a series of heavy beats. Little, looping rhythms run around the inside of your ears as the opening beat picks up speed. Vocals are murmured, as though they are long off in the distance before building everything up into a crescendo and unleashing the spits of a vibrant, energetic rap. The rapping continues before some cheery tones cut them off and cue the gradual descent into silence. It’s not what I expected. So far, it’s not a masterpiece but at the same time, it is not bad!

LISTEN | DOWNLOAD // This is My Masterpiece EP

Perhaps I had over enthusiastic preconceptions of Bleed Electric because, the last thing I was expecting was some sort of hip-hop-meets-rap concoction, married off with a more traditional sound. It’s new and it’s interesting and it does make you sit up and take notice. Bleed Electric are not your typical electro group – and although I am so far a little disappointed, perhaps their unique style and the fact that they have dared to try something new will perk me up as I listen through to the end?

‘Accidental Genius’ was exactly what I had been waiting for. A track that will blow the cobwebs out of your ears with a really energetic dance floor beat. Again, it’s not electro as a single genre but instead blends elements of electro, dance, hip hop and dub-step effortlessly to create one of the best tasting musical smoothies you will experience in a long time. Everything about ‘Accidental Genius’ demonstrates a step up from the opener and you quickly realise that ‘This Is My Masterpiece.’ is not an EP for EP’s sake, but one that is going to take you on a musical journey; an experience you will likely never forget.

Just as these guys can create slow, teasing melodies they can also hold their own against any electro powerhouse

‘Pragmatic’ continues this hybrid of styles opening with an electro melody before transforming into something of an eighties style house anthem. One thing you cannot hide from here is the vocals which are given a predominant outing over the background music. That’s not necessarily a good thing, as it takes away somewhat from the rising soundscapes that struggle to make an impact in the background. However, when the music is allowed to take control is when the track really reaches third gear. ‘Pragmatic’ is one that is probably due another few days in your head, long after you have turned it off.

‘Jus’ Been Thinkin’ About You (Yeah)’ fails to impress as a song title. It is the kind of cheesy hip hop title you would expect from a group that seemingly rides on clichés. However, throughout listening to ‘This Is My Masterpiece.’ I have learned that first impressions are not everything. Bleed Electric sounds like a name for a band heavily steeped in electro beats and mixes but, the reality is that Bleed Electric is so much more than that. ‘Jus’ Been Thinkin’ About You (Yeah)’ continues to buck that trend.

In fact, ‘Jus’ Been Thinkin’ About You (Yeah)’ provides a bit of respite from the rest of the EP and allows you to sit back and chill out for a moment. Everything is slowed down to a traditional R&B rhythm whilst the slow dance chimes of the track are a stark reminder that you are not listening to one single genre of music here.



‘This Is My Masterpiece.’ comes to a close with ‘Angel Fly’ and the title track ‘This Is My Masterpiece.’ These are the songs that the entire EP has been building up to. ‘Angel Fly’ is a return to the opener. Electro beats and hip hop rhythms surround you. However, the difference here is that ‘Angel Fly’ is without a doubt the track that Bleed Electric will have on every live playlist they create in their career, as it possesses one of the most anthemic and memorable choruses on the EP.

‘This Is My Masterpiece’ takes things that little bit more gently again, starting off slowly, teasing the listener with suggestions that the electro is about to go full-throttle only to hone it back in again and again. By the time ‘This Is My Masterpiece’ does reach a crescendo, it is exactly what you have been waiting for and demonstrates the variety within the Bleed Electric sound. Just as these guys can create slow, teasing melodies they can also hold their own against any electro powerhouse.

‘This Is My Masterpiece.’ is not quite what I was expecting but that makes it even better. Any release that defies preconceptions is bound to leave a lasting impression. I wouldn't quite sum this EP up as a masterpiece but it is actually not that far off…

Bleed Electric's This is my Masterpiece EP is out on AltSounds Records on October 31st