.
AllMusic Review by Francis Arres
Ui is a trio that pieces together instrumentals throughout Lifelike. The prefix "post" could be applied to the music, also to Ui's relationship with Stereolab in John McEntire's studio for Uilab. Ui falls into a nice groove at the beginning of the record, like something from an Isotope 217
record -- mid-'70s jazz fusion feel with fewer solos and more
electronics. The beginnings of all of the songs grab your attention, but
do not have that something extra to keep your mind from wandering. The
mixing of Lifelike
is wonderful headphone music. Many instruments create rich layers, each
complementing the other. Polyrhythms seem to be the backbone of Lifelike,
creating the main pulse, while guitars and electronics sprinkle on top
to add layers. The horns throughout the record add a nice contrast to
the electronics, but those moments are few. "Laceria" is a track that
stands out, having a dub feel with breakbeats. Rhythm is the
concentration and moving force of the tune with guitars providing the
subtle melody. The switch in listening action comes from the adding of
small layers at a time. Ui
is very consistent throughout, but has nothing to push it to the next
level. Nothing really swings here. Basslines with rhythms sound like
marches. "Exeunt" is a drone soundscape, ambient music with tension
created by the electronics in the background. Bottom tones rise up at
the end of the song, giving Lifelike a quality finish to a solid record by Ui.
Tracklist
| 1 | Drive Until He Sleeps | 4:05 |
| 2 | Blood In The Air | 4:32 |
| 3 | Undersided | 4:15 |
| 4 | Dígame | 3:54 |
| 5 | Lacería | 3:29 |
| 6 | Molloy's March | 3:17 |
| 7 | Green Of The Melon | 3:23 |
| 8 | Spilling | 3:40 |
| 9 | The Fortunate One Knows No Anxiety | 3:53 |
| 10 | News To Go Farther | 2:08 |
| 11 | Acer Rubrum | 4:56 |
| 12 | Exeunt | 4:03 |
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