Ben Wa (band)
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Ben Wa | |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Genres | Electronic, Dub |
| Years active | 1998 - 2001 |
| Labels | Black Hole Records, Malvado Records, Stray Records |
| Past members | Anthony "House" Chaba, Eric Ware |
Ben Wa was an American electronic band from Oakland, California comprising Anthony "House" Chaba (programming and bass guitar) and Eric Ware (programming and keyboards), who had worked together before in bands such as Limbomaniacs, Big Janitor, and MCM & the Monster.[1]
After releasing a four track EP 1 full of breaks and electro in 1998 they began recording their debut album Devil Dub featuring guest musicians such as guitarists Buckethead and M.I.R.V., drummer Bryan "Brain" Mantia and turntablist DJ Disk, plus Scientist live on stage for the release party[2] in Janauary 1999. Chaba and Ware had met Scientist when opening for Bill Laswell's Praxis in San Francisco.[3]
Critical acclaim for Devil Dub was overwhelming with URB calling it "one of the most crucial records of any genre released this year" and Michelle Goldberg of Metro Silicon Valley stating: "The lazy pace is lulling, but like Tricky's music, it's more edgy and creepy than ethereal."[4] Rick Anderson of Allmusic gave 4,5 out of 5 stars, writing: "This is remarkably pleasant stuff."[5]
Another EP called Elektro-Krazy followed in 2000, again concentrating on breaks and electro. The next album Disciples Of Retro-Tech was released in 2001 as a double vinyl and single compact disc, now drifting into pure electro and synth-pop terrain. Stephen Cook of Allmusic wrote: "The hybrid mix is so inventive that suspect pastiche and old-school chic absolutely do not figure into it". He gave the album 4 out of 5 stars.[6]
Discography
- EP 1 (12" EP on Black Hole Records, 1998)
- Devil Dub (CD album on Black Hole Records, 1998)
- Elektro-Krazy (12" EP on Malvado Records, 2000)
- Retro-Tech EP (12" EP Stray Records, 2001)
- Disciples Of Retro-Tech (Double vinyl and single CD album on Stray Records, 2001)
External links
- Ben Wa discography at Discogs
- Ben Wa at AllMusic
- Official website as archived on July 28, 2009.
- Michelle Goldberg: Ben Wa's debut CD, 'Devil Dub,' offers classic old-school dub. In: Metro Silicon Valley, January 7, 1999.
References
- ^ Ben Wa biography on Allmusic.
- ^ Ben Wa biography on Allmusic.
- ^ Michelle Goldberg: Ben Wa's debut CD, 'Devil Dub,' offers classic old-school dub. In: Metro Silicon Valley, January 7, 1999.
- ^ Michelle Goldberg: Ben Wa's debut CD, 'Devil Dub,' offers classic old-school dub. In: Metro Silicon Valley, January 7, 1999.
- ^ Rock Anderson: Review of Devil Dub on Allmusic.
- ^ Stephen Cook: Review of Disciples Of Retro-Tech on Allmusic.
Article draft for Ben Wa (band)
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