(08.18.06) As a reviewer, it can sometimes be a disappointment when a sampler of a new album comes along. The reason for this is simply that what you have is only a snippet of the finished article. This was the case on receipt of the amazing three track sampler by one of Benbecula’s latest signings: Genaro. Genaro are a four piece from Glasgow and mark Benbecula’s move into more mainstream territory. Genaro do not sit behind computer screens, or make electronica on aging synthesizers and drum machines; Genaro are a band, with vocals, guitars, bass and keyboards. The group have become regulars around the Scottish gig scene and just recorded their debut album in February 2006. Many electronic based labels are trying to broaden their sound basis, moving into the realms of rock and hip hop with Warp Records being an obvious example. Yet this can be a hit and miss campaign. Warp can get away with crossing into different genres, mainly due to the size, age and influence that the label has. But can Benbecula achieve what Warp has? Benbecula may be the most successful electronic music label in Scotland, but can it accomplish the leap from one genre to another and are Genaro the guys to do it with?

The above question must immediately be answered when it comes to this Glaswegian foursome; the answer is yes. Genaro are a group that have taken all the elements of rock and made something breathtaking with them. This is not simple pop, nor is it something weighted down in genres like post rock; this is just amazing music. The three track sample CD is steeped in emotion, passion and beauty. Genaro have created something truly inspirational. Rock is a genre that has been sullied, dragged down by massive record labels, made ballast by commercially created bands. Genaro are the antithesis of this. With this sampler, Genaro have been generous enough to give a taste of their music. Lovingly created guitar rifts, subtle bass ad haunting lyrics are the components of the Genaro sound.

The sampler opens with "Garp 52," a melancholic and melodic string centered work with touching vocals establishing a deeply emotional base to the CD. The track blends into the heart wrenchingly wonderful "The Feeling’s Gone." This piece builds up with classically soulful guitar rifts and atmospheric keyboards whilst stirring lyrics slowly develop. The track breaks with the chorus into what can only be described as rock music at its very best. It is a work drenched in emotion, a piece of aural perfection through "The Feeling's Gone," Genaro show what rock music can be: a dramatically emotive and passionate medium whose heyday is far from gone. The final piece, "Suspicions," is much more lulling and dreamy than its predecessors. Soft keys and synth sounds are the basis to this piece, with tender and gentle vocals draped over the background to create a soulful tapestry of sound. Another sublime number to complete an incredibly emotive sampler.

With Genaro, Benbecula are demonstrating why they are one of the successful independent labels in Scotland. The highland label, since its beginnings, has been able to find talented artists and has done so again with Genaro. Not only this, the imprint is showing how it is not afraid to move into different fields of sound. It can be a dangerous thing for an electronic label to attempt to produce rock, but the brave boys from the North have attempted it and succeeded in their endeavour undoubtedly and undeniably. This album is one to keep a eye out for, because if the sampler is anything to go by it promises to be one of the best rock releases for some time.

Ganaro's album for Benbecula will be released early 2007.

Benbecula

Genaro