Album Review: Using The Time by Barfly's Dreams
Alright, let’s talk about Using The Time, the 2008 electronic gem from Russian duo Barfly's Dreams. Released under the label Rus Zud, this album dives deep into the realms of IDM (that’s Intelligent Dance Music for the uninitiated) and Trip Hop, blending glitchy beats with moody atmospheres. It’s like a late-night drive through neon-lit streets in some alternate universe where everything feels both futuristic and nostalgic.
The tracklist is packed with 13 tunes, but two tracks really stuck with me—“Soft Bell” and “Revolting Floyd.” Let me tell ya why.
“Soft Bell” kicks things off on such a dreamy note. It’s got this gentle chime-like melody that just floats around your head, layered over a beat that’s kinda wonky but still smooth as hell. I dunno, it’s one of those tracks you can listen to while zoning out or pretending you’re in a cyberpunk movie. There’s something comforting yet mysterious about it, like hearing whispers in an empty hallway. You don’t quite catch every word, but it pulls you in anyway.
Then there’s “Revolting Floyd,” which flips the vibe entirely. This one’s darker, grittier, almost like the soundtrack to a secret mission gone wrong. The bassline slaps hard, and the chopped-up samples give it this chaotic energy that keeps you guessing. Honestly, it reminds me of when you accidentally spill coffee on your shirt right before a big meeting—it’s messy, stressful, but weirdly thrilling at the same time.
Other tracks like “Mind Your Mind Jo Wise” and “Faboola” bring their own flavor too, mixing trippy rhythms with experimental twists. But honestly, part of what makes this album special is how unpredictable it feels. Just when you think you’ve got its style figured out, it throws another curveball at ya.
Reflecting on Using The Time, it’s wild to think this came out back in 2008. Like, where has it been all my life? Sometimes albums like this fly under the radar, especially coming from Russia, but they deserve way more love than they get. If you’re into stuff like Aphex Twin or Massive Attack, you’ll probably dig this.
Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with—listening to this album felt like finding an old USB stick in a drawer and realizing it holds files no one’s opened in years. Weirdly satisfying, right?
