United States of Islam

One must appreciate rhythm and percussion in order to appreciate Muslimgauze. Most people who listen to him fail to find where the music "goes". Numerous people I have spoken to through the years have failed to "get" his approach to music, and that's okay. Some things aren't for everyone, and it goes without saying that the music of the late Brynn Jones aka Muslimgauze, is definitely not for everybody.

On this clearly provocative album, we are treated to some of his cleaner, more organic work. The distorted electronica that drowns out some of his more obscure records is definitely left behind in favour of a more focused and regular song-structure. Take the title track, United States of Islam has a thoroughly satisfying mix of percussion arrangements that just hang there. Waiting for you to get them. The approach, as always, is minimalist, with only one or two samples being used over the all-dominant rhythm structure, but what it does give you is a platform, a mental runway to take off in any direction you want. I have always found Muslimgauze music perfect for writing lyrics, poetry or any other form of creativity that doesn't require your ears.

This album, like most of his other 90-odd released through his prolific years, is really a true album. Half of the albums tracks are divided into two parts, and refreshingly, they really are connected, sounding more like two seperate movements, but with the same concepts driving them.

The reason so many people have noticed him is because of his song/album-titles, where all of his political views become apparent. Muslimgauze was formed as a result of Israeli invasion of Lebanon. How many musicians can you name who create music as a reaction, to counter something negative going on in the world? How many artists have released music with the sole intent of raising awareness about that 'other side'. The side that the western media don't cover. A perfect example on this album is the song Muslims of China. The majority of us probably wouldn't know that there were at least 150 million Muslims in China. This huge population, called the Uighur people, have been calling for their own state in North-East China called East Turkestan for a long time now, and as a result, they've been completely brutalised by the communist regime that run things from Beijing. I suppose there are many people who might not want to know that fact, "music should be an escape from politics" I hear you say. Well I dissagree. Music should be a balance between life and escapism.

Muslimgauzes' music may not strike you as being the most creative when you first hear it, but like a film by Andrei Tarkovskij, his music is deceptively direct, and therefore very easy to misinterpret. It's patient, focused minimalistic approach may not be to everyones liking, but then, who cares about 'everyone'? I can dig it, and I know many others interested in music will appreciate it. Talented people are not always recognised by everyone, but they still go on doing their thing anyway.

-Some interesting knowledge on China for eager minds