lambchops's Full Review: Becoming X by Sneaker Pimps
It would have been easier for Sneaker Pimps to simply draw on the success of earlier trip-hop innovators. Sure, they formed after the success of bands like Everything But The Girl and Portishead, but their sound was edgy and creative and wholly entertaining.
The English trio formed in 1995 and quickly released their debut 1996’s Becoming X on the Clean Up label. The album was awarded with positive reviews and lead single Tesko Suicide helped in propping the album low on British charts and exposing the band to many fans.
Led by vocalist Kelli Dayton and driven by guitarist Chris Corner and keyboardist Liam Howe, Sneaker Pimps found little success post-Becoming X. Their calm, cool, and slightly rock sound helps to separate them from much of the post-Portishead flock. In fact, if they had been able to replicate and expound on the formula used in their debut, Sneaker Pimps would have been able to easily acquire a much larger audience than one might have expected.
The focus of Becoming X is certainly Dayton. Her voice is light and airy and when backed by Corner and Howe, she sounds full and rich and somehow less feminine. By the time the band’s second album was released (it never made an appearance stateside), Dayton was gone. Maybe this replacement had something to do with the band’s continued struggles. But at least trip-hop fans are left with the lovely Becoming X.
If I were to choose just one really superb track I do have to turn to 6 Underground. It’s also the song that most Americans would recognize. As a part of the impressive techno soundtrack to the Val Kilmer flick The Saint, the track was briefly exposed to scads of Americans. Aside from that, many people have only a passing interest and acquaintance with Sneaker Pimps. I’d like to welcome listeners who’ve heard 6 Underground and enjoyed it to welcome Becoming X into their fledgling trip-hop collection.
Becoming X does in fact include two versions of 6 Underground. The first is the original. I adore Dayton’s tiny vocals and the multi-layered musical elements. The second (and last track on the album) is an apparent remix. I guess Sneaker Pimps knew at the time of this album’s recording that this song would be their most perfect and most popular. Both songs are great, but I do in fact most enjoy the second (and the one that seems to have gotten more attention). The acoustic guitar really gives the remix an edge.
I’ve mentioned that the lead off single was (for whatever reason) the relatively mediocre Tesko Suicide. That track is fine, but even more impressive is Spin Spin Sugar. It feels very strange, very urban, and very detached (a unique quality brought to trip-hop by Sneaker Pimps). It’s dark (another general characteristic of trip-hop) yet provides occasional hints of lightness. Impressive says I.
The acoustic, pop indie pop influenced Post-Modern Sleaze is certainly one of the most widely aurally appealing tracks on this album. It sounds less like trip-hop and more like pop than the widest majority of songs on this album. I adore the saxophone, acoustic guitars, and complex-yet-simple-sounding layers. It is emotional and round, gorgeous and shimmering. Post-Modern Sleaze represents the most perfect side of Sneaker Pimps.
Another truly striking and charming song, Becoming X has a techno-urban feel and attitude to match. The backing electronica is impressive and instead of detracting from the vocals compliments them nicely. Dayton’s voice is in this example a part of the song and music rather than the focal point. And in this case it works nicely.
With that said, it’s obvious that beginning and middle of Becoming X is the most perfect. I also find great joy in songs like Low Place Like Home, Waterbaby and the driving beats of Roll On. But following the third of those mentioned, the album takes a downturn. The songs aren’t repulsive. Rather, I just find Wasted Early Sunday Morning, Walking Zero, and How Do to be just repetitive and a rehash of earlier more impressive songs on Becoming X.
Overall, Becoming X is the best album from Sneaker Pimps. The album as a whole is one of the better of the trip-hop movement and deserves a slot in any indie pop, electronica, or trip-hop collection. Even if it is only worth four measly stars, go pick up Becoming X. You couldn’t possible be too disappointed.
Rating: 4 stars
Track Listing:
1. Low Place Like Home
2. Tesko Suicide
3. 6 Underground
4. Becoming X
5. Spin Spin Sugar
6. Post-Modern Sleaze
7. Waterbaby
8. Roll On
9. Wasted Early Sunday Morning
10. Walking Zero
11. How Do
12. 6 Undeground (remix)
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After the release of this album and it’s very minor successes, Virgin followed up with the release of the limited edition collection of remixes entitled Becoming Remixed. It wasn’t as impressive, but for HUGE fans of Becoming X it might be worth your while to check it out.
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