There's something wonderful about 8-bit module music done right. Demoscene artist Beek has been writing chip music since the mid-1990s, and his excellent mastery of the genre shines through in "7bit Date: Robot Love". This twelve-track album is a pleasantly retro joyride, chock-full of catchy tunes and lovely production.
"Pyramidium" opens up the record with a rousing three-note melody, while "Lunar FREAK On" introduces some catchy, lo-fi funk. From beginning to end, Beek's latest offering is a fun listen. The tracks don't deviate too much from the confines of chiptune, but neither do they stay too restricted by them. The result is a mostly great collection of inspired material that shuffles up the musical style to keep things interesting. There's even a bit of retro reggae and 8-bit funk to grace your ears with, like the aptly-named "Funknium". At track number twelve, "Don't Let 'Em" closes off the album with a slightly sad but sweet flourish.
Overall, this "7bit Date" is one that you should definitely take. The mixing is tight, the production value is solid, and the tunes are well-composed. It may not have the grand ambition of some other major releases, but as Beek shows, sometimes you just need a little good, clean musical fun to have a great time.
SCORE: 8.4 out of 10 - "Solid"
[You can stream or download this album here: http://b-e-e-k.bandcamp.com/album/7bit-date-robot-love]
