I wish I didn’t have to sleep. I really do. It’s incredibly hard to have a full time job, pursue writing, enjoy my hobbies and find the time to discover awesome new music to write about for The Music Ninja. So I multi task. While I’m working, writing, cooking, working out, driving in the car, I take full advantage of my unlimited data plan and stream Spotify like it’s going out of style. It was during a particularly trying day at work that I came across Little People’s debut album The Mickey Mouse Operation, I instantly fell in love down tempo electro beats and thoughtful piano overlays. I promptly made a radio station and put Little People among my favorite electro bands, right next to pioneers like Dimitri from Paris and St. Germaine.
Imagine my joy when Music Ninja Sensei Claytonious (as he now refers to himself, apparently) assigned me with Little People’s newWe Are But Hunks of Wood! With zeal, I began listening, and this little album accompanied me for the next week or so, everywhere I went.
We Are But Hunks of Wood is something of a departure from Little People’s first effort The Mickey Mouse Operation as the artists relies more on soft strings for melodies in this time around, rather than the prominent piano from The Mickey Mouse Operation. “aldgate patterns” features intricately blended chimes, muted piano, and a powerful string melody. On the opposite end of the spectrum is “wonderland”, with its slightly industrial feel and female vocals, reminiscent of Massive Attack’s Mezzanine album. Somewhere in between is the haunting track, “Farewell,” which opens with delicate high keyed piano that leads to an emotionally powerful and stirring string melody. In the backdrop of the entire album is the faithfully simple electro beats and simple drumming that blend songs together, knitting a tight album.
We Are But Hunks of Wood is a great effort from a great artist. Little People definitely earns a place in my preferred electro artists. This is an album that you can listen to in almost any setting: whether it be toiling away at work or on the elliptical, driving you car, entertaining friends or making a quiet meal for your partner. Enjoy this music in any setting. Good luck with your multitasking!
