Paul Fishman’s “It’s About Time, Part I” is a Daring Electronic Album

Image via Paul Fishman Music/Facebook

Paul Fishman is a name that continues to pop up over the years. Your dad probably remembers him from his MTV days in the 80’s band Re-Flex while your edgy cousin more likely knows him as the producer who has worked with David Bowie, Elton John, and Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright. Now, you might know him as the artist who is rivaling Aphex Twin with his innovative vision of electronica.

It’s About Time marks Fishman’s first solo electronic album in 15 years. It proclaims to combine electronic music with different sounds at the “risk of defying genre” (via the official website) and creating something new. But does the record deliver?

The opening track “Rise” plays with deep house, techno-esque tropes, and something a little funkier. It would take an electronic veteran to categorize the track by genre. Interestingly, the result is not something that sounds contrived or disjointed. “Rise” keeps it groovy and stays right on the beat.

“Born To Synthesise” is an album highlight. It’s got that “Fools Gold” feel with chilled beats that pull you into a wavey space. “Poppycorn Visits The Tate” is also a great tune. Fishman plays with unusual sounds and solid beats to create music that keeps on giving. It has that Jamiroquai funkiness while keeping up that festival “dance tent” vibe.

The album’s titular track, “It’s About Time” slows it down with synths. It’s slower, tamer, and seems to be inspired by Fishman’s time writing film scores. The track would probably benefit from being accompanied by visuals as it is possibly a little long for an interlude. That said, it ties in well with “Anthem For Galacia”. If Arctic Monkeys claim Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino was inspired by the Blade Runner era of cinema, they should listen to the mid-section of It’s About Time.

“Alone” keeps up the ambience and “Let There Be Light” brings together the different sounds on the album for an innovative finale. It’s funky, creative, and a tactful reminder that electronic music is definitively not limited to dubstep. So yes, Paul Fishman’s new album is right to claim it thinks outside the box. The average electronic music fan is going to have a pretty hard time classifying the record by genre. And it’s also electronic music that your dad would probably like. So that’s good too.

4.5/5