Formerly
El Guapo on Dischord Records,
Supersystem offers up electro-dance-funk on
Always Never Again, their debut full length on Touch & Go Records. Where
El Guapo explored the areas of free jazz and post-rock leanings,
Supersystem dives into the depths of electronic beats and keyboards with talk-rap rants with some organics attached. The first half of
Always Never Again seems to lean more toward extended electro-dance tracks, laying down a heavy dance vibe with steady repetitive parts. The last half of the record is where
Supersystem seems to hit their stride and let the musicians flex their muscles a bit.
Supersystem seems to shine when they get to the world elements of the music -- tracks like the spastic soca of "Click-Click," the syncopated, guitar-driven "Miracles," and the West African vibe of "The Love Story." At times on
Always Never Again, the vocals can be distracting, and a touch annoying, pulling the listener from the interesting music that is being laid down.
Always Never Again is a decent debut and, hopefully,
Supersystem, in the tradition of
El Guapo, will continue to further explore musical possibilities on their next record.