Milez Benjiman

Disc: Very Good

Cover: Near Mint

“Feel Glorious” is the stunning, stylish debut album from Milez Benjiman on Tru Thoughts. Boasting thirteen tracks built on masterful beats and sophisticated production, The three charismatic individuals who make up Milez Benjiman – Gerd, Delgui & Colonel Red – came together and set straight to work on their aim of bringing the grind & excitement of true soul music at its best to the people…In the Dutch trio’s own words – “Milez Benjiman is a sonik sounding stomp of cyborg funk! Sent to hook you from root 2 roof-top…totally leaving you wanting more!” They are not wrong there – “Chop That Wood”, the brilliant debut single on Tru Thoughts (released in early March ’08), has been played by Gilles Peterson on his BBC Radio 1 show, received rave reactions from the likes of The Nextmen and other high profile DJs, and graced dancefloors worldwide, leaving all who have heard it desperate to get their hands on this album… The short skit “Milezology” is the other-worldly opener. A quick lesson in the Milez Benjiman madness, the message is: “Frequency Alert! We are coming! Armed with vibez.” “Chop That Wood” is an absolute scorcher with a monster of a bassline that stomps along with a funky swagger, and the party vibe continues into the laid-back future soul of “Our House”, a tune that’s all about Saturday night. The upbeat title track “Feel Glorious”, with an optimistic hip hop-funk vibe, and a hint of gospel, pricked up many an ear as the B side on the “Chop That Wood” 12”. That cheeky electronica bubbling up through the layers brings out Milez Benjiman’s sophisticated craftsmanship. Onwards to the pared down soul of “Crucify” with a tender vocal and close, spine-tingling harmonies laid perfectly over the sparse minimalism of the beat. “Inheritance” moves the album into slightly more broken, experimental dance territory, a deep track with spoken word vocals from Colonel Red, who amazingly provides all the vocals on this album, much as it may sound like a whole host of different vocalists creating the huge range of sounds and moods on these tracks. “Hold Your Head High” is one for all the people around the world who dare to be creative. It sounds at once stunningly modern, with its backdrop of subtle electronic hooks, and instantly classic, with a ‘stand up straight and hold your head up high’ mantra, off-beat handclaps and the vocal with a nod to old-skool hip hop. A damn fine mix of electronica, hip hop and breaks, with a charismatic vocal, “What’s your Name” sprang from a brief encounter – while performing on stage, Colonel Red noticed a girl with a certain look in her eye that has got him thinking…and he wants to know who this girl is and what she’s all about! “Crazy ‘Bout Ya” – part two in the ode to this mysterious siren – follows on with just the right mix of attitude and vulnerability, as she walks away and a wash of thoughts flood our hero’s mind! “Soundcheckin’” takes its inspiration from the 1001 mundane and random things that go through someone’s mind while soundchecking before a show, and is a slice of innovative breaks-infused hip hop, with original beats you can’t get out of your head. Beautiful instrumentals “Timeless” and “Ixlanaplaz” (an atmospheric flutter that clocks in at just one and a half minutes) lead us to “Destiny”, all about the twist of separation, which winds the energy of this album right back down to earth with a dose of sweet, downbeat hip hop-soul. The vinyl release of this album also includes the full album on CD inside.