SONICABAL 2 (Compilation CD by Sonicabal)
K (CDR by N.A.D.)
KINETIX – FIRST EMISSIONS (CDR by N.A.D.)
THE ABSTRACTIONS – SONIC CONSIPARCY (CD by Edgetone)
VAS DEFERENZ ORGANIZATION – TILT? (10″ by Beta Lactam)
EDWARD KA-SPEL – MELTDOWN (10″ by Beta Lactam)
EDWARD KA-SPEL – O ER A SHALABAST’R TYDE STROLT AY (LP+7″ by Beta Lactam)
V.A. – MINNEAPOLIS SUMMIT OCTOBER 2001 (Mini-CD by Staalplaat)
MARCELO RADULOVICH – HELLO (CD by Accretions Records)
V.A. – DELAY MAKES ME NERVOUS (CD by Karate-Joe)
FON – TDING (CD by Werkzeug)
POLWECHSEL/FENNESZ – WRAPPED ISLANDS (CD by Erstwhile)
REYNOLS – PACALIRTE SORBAN CUMANOS (CD by Beta-lactam Ring)
SCHNEIDER TM – ZOOMER (CD by Mute/City Slang)
TOWN AND COUNTRY – C’MON (CD byThrill Jockey)
KEITH FULLERTON WHITMAN – PLAYTHROUGHS (CD by Kranky)
BENGE – MEME TUNES (CD by Expanding Records)
MIRROR – SOLARIS (CD by Idea Records)
TAC – SCATTER OF DOUBT (3″ CDR by Generator Sound Art)
LOS MIEDOS TONTOS – MUSICA VENENO (3″ CDR by Hazard Records)
THE KINGDOMS OF ELGALAND-VARGALAND 1992-2002 (2CD by Ash International)
CHRISTINA KUBISH – DIAPASON (CD by Semishigure)
SONICABAL 2 (Compilation CD by Sonicabal)
For the most of us, the first word slipping to the tongue, when
talking about the music scene of Seattle, will probably be “Grunge”.
This second compilation released by the experimental music community,
calling itself Sonicabal, is the living proof of the fact that the
Seattle music scene stretches far abroad “Grunge”. Sonicabal, as a
community, functions as the vital meeting place between sound artists
and experimentalists of Seattle. It is a place where ideas and
collaborations develop, ending up with a wide spectre of different
styles. And thus the “Sonicabal 2”-compilation represents a wide
entrance into experimental electronic music. Common ground between
most contributions of the compilation is a harsh expressional
approach. Quite a few of the tracks deal with power electronics and
sound collage noise, but also the use of subdued noise drones are
remarkable here. Highlights are Christopher DeLaurenti’s spooky and
quiet scary “Malevolent” based on samples of a desperate female voice
heard through a phone with some hissing drones underneath, and
Bakshish fascinating mixture of ritual eastern chant and harsh
electronics on his “Peyote”. Also worth mentioning is Mabuse’ use of
slow jazzy rhythms built on voice-effects, screeching noises and
distorted organs on his work titled “Sphygmomameter” and finally Bran
Flakes’ track “The magical fairy princess” that utilizes children’s
music to create excellent cut-up-collages reminding a little of
People Like Us. Overall a great compilation of musical
experimentation giving an impression of the flourishing atmosphere
that surrounds the Sonicabal community. (NMP)
Address: www.sonicabal.com
K (CDR by N.A.D.)
KINETIX – FIRST EMISSIONS (CDR by N.A.D.)
The two CDR releases come from a new label, N.A.D. and stands for
Nova Ars Digitandi – although I thought Ars Nova was some more gothic
oriented thing. One of these releases doesn’t have any information at
all, but the other one has. I am not sure if we are dealing here with
two different artists, or maybe the same people twice. I could
suspect the latter since both releases have strong similarities,
which is again odd, because the music per release is very different.
There are really straight forward techno pieces, minimalist Pan Sonic
like pieces, crackling laptop doodlings and ambient inspired pieces.
And they both have that. It’s like hearing a compilation CD, if one
wouldn’t know any better. Both CD’s have nice tracks, and of course
Kinetix has more of the better ones, as this CDR is twice as long as
‘K’ one. Both releases come from a world were musicians are still
seeking their best thing, not knowing which direction to go and
exploring various options. A nice snapshot of work in progress. (FdW)
Address: www.microsuoni.com
THE ABSTRACTIONS – SONIC CONSIPARCY (CD by Edgetone)
The line up first: Ernesto Diaz-Infante (guitar, piano, radio, broken
cd-player); Scott R.Looney (percussion, toys); Bob Marsh (vibes,
violin, voice); Jesse Quattro (vocals) and Rent Romus (alto and
soprano sax, toys, sounds)
The idea for forming this group came from Diaz-Infante and Romus.
Musicians come from different corners. Bob Marsh may be known as a
member of the Emergency String Quintet and his work with saxplayer
Jack Wright. Jesse Quattro is a member of the trash metal group Saint
of Killers and she has worked with the Mills College Contemporary
Performance Ensemble.
Scott R. Looney studied jazz and improvisation, also composition and
interactive electronics under David Rosenboom and Morton Subotnick.
He played and plays with many improvisors.
Ernesto Diaz-Infante received an MFA in music composition from
California Institute of the Arts, where he studied with Stephen L.
Mosko and Wadada Leo Smith. He is a very active performer. Over 25
recordings of his music are available on Pax, Pfmentum, etc. Rent
Romus works already over seventeen years in the world of improvised
music. Edgetone is his label. He led groups like Jazz on the Line and
The Lords of Outland both with considerable success.
With ‘Sonic Conspiracy’ we have a sort of free improvised music that
results in sonic textures. Most pieces take about 3 or 4 minutes. I
needed to listen it several times in order to get some grip on this
music. It’s not easy to classify, which is a compliment of course.
Some pieces are very extravert and have some crazy loud screaming by
Jesse Quattro. Other pieces a more introvert. In both cases intense
listening is required in order to pick everything that is going on
here. It has some beautiful moments with good interplay (DM).
Address: www.edgetonerecords.com
VAS DEFERENZ ORGANIZATION – TILT? (10″ by Beta Lactam)
Vas Deferens Organization is one of those bands whose name I see
around, but hardly ever heard doing their music. So, knowing they
have more records out, it’s hard to judge this record and comparing
it to their other records. I sort of locked them inside bands like
Evolution Control Commitee, Kingdom Scum and others combining rock,
electronics and plunderphonics. But here on this record I find them
in a more latter day Nurse With Wound approach. ‘Synaptic Sabatoge En
Route To Satori’ has sped up music tapes to which they add their own
instruments. ‘Voluptuous Ruptures In The Hypnogogic Placenta’ has a
lovely laid back saxophone sound and here prog rock meets lounge
music. Highly psychedelic music. The b-side has just one track
‘Taking Tranquilizer Mountain (by sedative)’ and is take at Brian
Eno. The music slowly develops along watery ambient lines, until it
comes to burst and ethnic flutes take over. Very nice record of
laidback electronica meeting rock stuff. (FdW)
Address: www.blrrecords.com
EDWARD KA-SPEL – MELTDOWN (10″ by Beta Lactam)
EDWARD KA-SPEL – O ER A SHALABAST’R TYDE STROLT AY (LP+7″ by Beta Lactam)
I have been noting this before and I do it again: the solo works by
the various members of The Legendary Pink Dots I find more
interesting then their latest group output. Of all the various
members, frontman Edward Ka-spel is probably the busiest one. These
releases come in various forms and shapes, and some clearly are just
for the collector market. ‘Meltdown’ is some super limited, one sided
release of music for an art exhibition by Chris McBeth, who is also
the owner of Beta Lactam. Many of his hand made releases aren’t just
it for me I guess, but maybe I am too single minded and care just
about the music. Edward Ka-spel’s piece is a densely layered
electronic piece, which is half through sauced with some pseudo ethno
tribal rhythm. A nice simple straight forward piece.
The album continues where Ka-spel left us with his latest World
Serpent release. Slowly he seems to be pushing his solo music forward
by going more and more for instrumental music, and move away from the
song structures that were a feature of his older solo work. From the
intimate sing-song-keyboard thing, he seems now interested in
apocalyptic sound fields, dense, dark but always with a dot of light
at the end of the tunnel. (FdW)
Address: www.blrrecords.com
V.A. – MINNEAPOLIS SUMMIT OCTOBER 2001 (Mini-CD by Staalplaat)
Put The Tape Beatles, Wobbly, Steeve Hise and Escape Mechanism into a
recording studio, let them go at it fot a while and this is what
you’ll get: collage, collage, collage. That is no wonder of course,
regarding the participants. This mini-CD presents the longest of
three takes, which has been edited a little. One piece of pure
collage, created from pure improvisation. The result is as it should
be: exciting, wild and funny, but in a controlled way. An absolute
must for the fans. (MR)
Address: www.staalplaat.com
MARCELO RADULOVICH – HELLO (CD by Accretions Records)
A very strange release on accretions this time. Mr. Radulovich seems
to be the spokesman for Titicacaman, to whom he has dedicated a
website as well (www.titicacaman.com). The CD booklet contains
writings by the prime minister of Titicaca and strange pictures. So
this might actually be a concept album! The eleven tracks on ths CD
are as strange and eclectic as the cover: sampled beats, field
recordings, instruments and voices are used to create strong and
suggestive ‘songs’, sometimes noisy, sometimes sort of relaxed, but
always pretty weird. It seems that Titicaca has a musical universe of
its own, governed by slightly different musical rules, if any.
Inbetween most experimental music, this album stands out because of
its total lack of reverence to other music. Whatever sounds good is
used, from pop to contemporary composed music. A rare thing to be
discovered while listening. (MR)
Address: www.accretions.com
V.A. – DELAY MAKES ME NERVOUS (CD by Karate-Joe)
This compilation introduces both a new label and a lot of artists
from Austria to the computer music scene. Track one is by Florian
Bogner, who seems to use a bass and computer. A subtle work of bass
tones and computer manipulations, pretty quiet and gentle. Track two,
by Srob, seems more computer based. Filed recordings and other sounds
are used to create an atmophere of warmth and again this is pretty
quiet. Track three is by Oliver Grimm and is called Driveby, which
may give a clue to the sound: a ruslting drone that slowly fades out
and leaves a soft pink noise. This could very well be a pure field
recording of the subway or a similar traffic system. Or otherwise he
is fooling us. Track four is by Thermodynamic Superstar & His
Gardeners and is a very rhythmic piece of short cuts of all kinds.
Strongly percussive, but with a keen ear for composition. Track five
by Gilbert Handler is the odd one out so far: voice only, with
manipulations thereof and some electronics. Seems to be some kind of
abstract opera piece. Track six by Max Kircher is introduced by
manipulated bell sounds before percussion starts, on top of which
layers of electronics are spread. Track seven is by Viewnix, a piece
for drum computer, organ and distorted voice. This a weird poppy
song, which is not really a song.Track eight by Oliver Maklott sounds
very digital, with sampled sounds and a low rumble. Cuts through
silences with a very dynamic range of sounds. Track nine is by the
last artist, Jakob Polacsek, who cuts and pastes his favorite music
together into a very non-danceable mix. But he seems to have a lot of
fun. Track ten is by Gilbert Handler again and is entirely different
from his other track: this is almost a pop song, with the same voice
as on the other track. Track eleven is by Thermodynamic Superstar &
His Gardeners again and is a very short version with some voice of
their other track.
This is a varied collection of tracks and as an introduction it
surely does its work. As a CD the tracks may be too varied; it seems
to lack coherence, although the tracks themselves certainly have
quality. But that seems to be trouble with so many compilations…(MR)
Address: www.karate-joe.at
FON – TDING (CD by Werkzeug)
Obliteration of the word, of imagery, of sexy packaging, Fon has gone
into a plotting and obtuse direction to mount themselves firmly in
the world of nu-code. Even the name of the act was unclear upon
receiving the material (aside from an unassuming press release in
accompaniment). On their latest miniCD TDING this Viennese set has
lifted the stakes of proto logic and slammed its own dimensions
towards earth, resulting in the essence of its own b-side discovery.
This is a very serious conceptual work based in man-made time,
man-made space, the generic future. It marries the Gameboy and the
Xbox in dueling descent and reverie. Improvisation, I think not.
This is a fully realized new language, or I have been taken over by
aliens. A buzzing, whirring, circular interpretation of placement and
balance clocks this disc in at fifteen minutes of noise fame in 2002
(actually it runs 15:08, but who’s counting?.(TJN)
Address: http://www.wrkzg.net
POLWECHSEL/FENNESZ – WRAPPED ISLANDS (CD by Erstwhile)
This hour-long disc comes in eight parts, Framing (1-8). Guitars,
saxophones, computers – oh my! Polwechsel were one of the few
Viennese acts in the mid 90s to cautiously attempt reinventing sounds
that were smaller than themselves. After several years working
together Werner Dafeldecker (a former jazz bassist) along with
experimental DJ cum guitarist Christian Fennesz have formed alliances
once again with cellist Michael Moser, saxophonist John Butcher and
guitarist Burkhard Stangl. I canít tell if Wrapped Islands is a
longtime overdue homage to environmental artist Christo or just a
good title. With layers of constructed sounds and sounds like
construction the listening experience is a play on spatial
realization. Fenneszís six string plucks and plots and take turns
with varied isolated and distracted structures. There is a sense
that parts of this recording were improvised live in an open studio
space and collaged back together through analogue and digital means.
Perhaps this is the equivalent of a field recording of taking in the
laundry in alliance with the scotch tape the Starns once used to hold
together their multi-photo pieces in the late 80s. However random or
not, this disc certainly has a “lab” feel about it. There is a
romantic warmth to Butcher’s tenor on Framing 6 that resonates with
could be missing in folk music these days. Like a good
work-in-progress Wrapped Islands allows you to still see its edges,
its forms, its flaws. (TJN)
Address: http://www.erstwhilerecords.com/
REYNOLS – PACALIRTE SORBAN CUMANOS (CD by Beta-lactam Ring)
I am being haunted by an Argentinian trio named Reynols (Miguel
Tomasin, Robeto Conlazo and Anla Courtis). I first discovered these,
ahem, boys, a few years back when Bernhard G¸nter was quick to
capture their tape hiss collage of 20 year-old blank cassettes on
Trente Oiseaux. This is certainly a round about recording in terms
of distorting genres. Here we witness a very sonically charged live
ensemble feel of clashing psychedelia and pomp in the fist of noise
and imagination. There are overtures of Edward Kaspel and Pink Floyd
alongside more traditional folk percussion and the voice of naivetÈ.
These almost anonymous players give weight to the ancient practices
of music from the soul, the spirit and the hereafter. Beta-lactam
Ring Records deserves a nod for not sacrificing another divergent
recording from their ongoing roster of truly challenging avant garde
experimentalists. The band plays handmade instruments (Colibri
Secret, Snofer Pinchers, Marmonio) tugging at the channels of mono,
low-fi cut and paste with a sincere warmth and guts to spare. Itís
like being hung by one leg atop a speedway while the world peels by
your head. There are prayer-like ramblings that are as lulling as
they are disturbing. Tomasin, who is weighted with Down’s Syndrome,
channels the vigorous tongues of David Tibet and Tibetan Monks all at
once. Beyond the raucous frequencies and moments of cacophony there
is a sentimental, almost saddening account of a man in pain. There
are subliminal messages herein, a modern day lucy in the sky, flying
high and low. (TJN)
Address: http://www.blrrecords.com
SCHNEIDER TM – ZOOMER (CD by Mute/City Slang)
Kraftwerk goes folk, then toss in some Richard Norris reconstructing
Cher and a bit of attitude and voila, a Reality Check it is! The
latest from Schneider TM (Dirk Dresselhaus) whose been hiding out
since his phenomenal debut, Moist, on Mute over 3 years ago, releases
a fly disc with some delicious pop trappings. It is a curve ball
from his debut, though Mr. Dresselhaus has not been resting his
laurels, rather, he has been busy collaborating with diverse acts
like the High Llamas and Pansonic. The ëborg-like cover art crosses
trains with Edgar Froese, Devo and all that 70s stuff. The lazy fun
of the first single Frogtoise twists tongues and deformed hums in
electronic delicacy. On Abyss, this German native makes the good
times roll with more Beck inferences than maybe even Beck makes these
days. A funky yet drooping, melodic ride through stunted beats and
plasticity. And this recording is about lyrical content as caught
on the urban Turn On where rapped we hear “eyes blink a rollin cup a
hoopin peas that tickle the flute played by the cooling breeze
jumping over the fields, jumping over the fields, for the feel of the
diaphragm”. Huh? Recorded in Berlin, Schneider TM employs the apt
vocal ramblings of Max Turner. Though I scratch my head in the face
of the needless hip-hop appeal here. Saved by Hunger, a track that
harkens back to the beloved Moist, I am curious about the filler
addition of vocal/lyric content similar to that as seen by fellow
artist Luke Slaterís recent release. Is this just a trend? I am
perfectly satisfied by the hypnotic sensationalism of the
instrumental work produced here, in all its kling-klang and static
energy. Destined to be a club mix favorite, 999 has sheer nerve,
screechingly going boldly where others may avoid, into volume,
velocity and distractions. The pops and clicks make this track a
tunnel of fun. Upbeat electronics soar zoomingly with a solid
bassline provided by Christopher Uhe. As we draw to a close Cuba TM
recalls veiney harmonies laid out in Bjork’s Vespertine provided by
the thin, groovy layering of strings by Cati Aglibut. There is no
hurry to dance in its dalliance, as this a late summer sleeper. (TJN)
Address: http://www.mute.com
TOWN AND COUNTRY – C’MON (CD byThrill Jockey)
Ben Vidaís moody guitar opens Going to Kamakura on the latest by Town
and Country. CíMon is the prodigal offspring of Thrill Jockey’s
roster of talent. The tingling chimes of Liz Payne message the
stars and satellites. This is a lovely mix of gentle arranged
harmony with Josh Abramsí solid bassline and the ethereal harmonium
played by Jim Dorling. Like labelmates Tortoise, these players are
each multi-instrumentalists, switching musical gear from track to
track. On the dizzying I’m Appealing the comparison to Philip Glass
is too obvious, and oblivious. Vida and Payne duel with the acoustic
strings in a continuous wash of layered, harp-like lilt. The
reverie of The Bells is built around the symphonic wind
instrumentation of Dorlingís bass clarinet and Vida’s cornet,
staccato and searching. The minimal repetition is a true test in
acoustic circular breathing. These windy city players have shortened
their earlier lengthy tracks for a compact offering on C’Mon. I am
So Very Cold has a light, Mr. Rogersesque frivolity. Payneís bass is
on the front line and carries the tracks from slipping into its thin
cracks. This disc will appeal to fans of Kronos Quartet, the
Hilliard Ensemble and other neo-classical acts that cross into other
genres skillfully. Vida is clearly the standout player of the
ensemble with his cornet at the helm. There is a subtle reminiscing
with the themes of 60s cinema on Palms. Closing out the recording is
the very upbeat Bookmobile complete with some mean marimba by Payne
to the band’s syncopated background handclaps. File under easy
listening. (TJN)
Address: http://www.thrilljockey.com
KEITH FULLERTON WHITMAN – PLAYTHROUGHS (CD by Kranky)
Guitars abound in a recording of flowing sequences and string drone
meets symphonic digital feedback. Playthroughs has Whitman (aka
Hrvatski) using a full bank of tech wizardry to superimpose and
reiterate the voicings of both electric and acoustic guitars in a
balanced improvisation clearing the air of all surrounding ambience.
There is a pure, almost white noise effect that bellows from
“feedback zwei” (composed of 34 channels of feedback) filtering
residual sounds in the immediate space and breathing a new
appreciation into statics and quietude that follow in fib01a.
Closing with lengthy modena Whitman takes a repetitive Reich-like
phrasing and builds a space-age free-form idea. Tonal introductions
are fabricated serendipitously to effect. You have to get the LP
version for the secret bonus track (lucky dogs)! A beautiful noise,
indeed. (TJN)
Address: www.kranky.net
BENGE – MEME TUNES (CD by Expanding Records)
Benge, B.D. Edwardsí new Meme Tunes is based on a self-created
digital language. Open the accompanying booklet to connect the dots
for yourself. Dare I dabble in calling this a happy-go-lucky disc,
one with vibrant twists, pops and beats-a-plenty. Benge, having
recorded for such labels as Sub Rosa and Bip-Hop, has made some of
the finest quality electronic music in the last decade. We are kept
at a familiar listening distance with tracks like faun six which
bleeps coolness. Seemingly using the sounds of a department store
with a signature beat and minimal vinyl degradation Edwards
cautiously arranges each piece like an individually wrapped
chocolate. In a way the sound seems that precious to me, that
superimposed from the norm. With delicate and bright harmony tracks
like ajax goon raise the roof to the infinite fun one can have with
knobs and wires. It has you moving and daydreaming Technicolor.
This latest venture in the ongoing Benge catalogue has a more serious
plot as heard in pica unit. There is a sci-fi thriller unfolding,
amoeba hatching, cautious posturing. This disc actively takes its
time to unfold. In a voiceless work this recording plays on
children’s nursery rhymes vs. architectural themes on tame/rude
image. Proton is the journey home on this giddy-up and go-go ride.
It cleverly uses the Powerbook in ways that you might expect spoons
to be wielded in the mysteries of zydeco. Benge has created a new
idiom of sound art for the modern day routine. (TJN)
Address: www.expandingrecords.com
MIRROR – SOLARIS (CD by Idea Records)
Solaris is a wash of mutated, overcast sound shadows. Mirror
(Christoph Heeman and Andrew Chalk) have done their penance in more
formats than I can remember. Here, the introspective is cast asunder
as roots peep from the dusty earth. One long 40 minute+ track,
recorded in Germany and released by one year old Texan label, Idea
Records. Idea gives the recording quality treatment in its mini LP
like heavy duty cardboard and safe-keeping inner slipsleeve. There
lurks a curious evil, just barely audible, just beyond our reach.
Since the 1980s Heeman and Chalk have collectively worked with the
most provocative sound artists of our time
including Organum, Jim OíRourke, Current 93 and Merzbow. This pairing
developed back in 1999 has continued to develop works of intimate
stridency. Distant metallic bowing and random rattling charm the lazy
ear as barren samples are ghosted in an instant. There is an
intriguing complexity and primal, spiritual quality to the layers of
subdued drones here. Solaris feels composed in its own wilderness.
The only slight reference I can recall here might be Arvo Prt’s
esoteric Fratres, but even that is a longshot reflection from what is
revealed inside. The natural and material worlds meet in a jolting,
uneasy mirror of
themselves. (TJN)
Address: http://www.idearecords.com
TAC – SCATTER OF DOUBT (3″ CDR by Generator Sound Art)
Although the header of this review credits this release to TAC, it’s
more likely a TAC/Small Cruel Party collaboration. It’s almost twenty
minutes dwell heavily on a sound exchange between the two dating back
to 1993 and 1994. It was also mixed back then, using computers, which
was then not an arrived tool in the world of home recording. The
sounds were transformed either in the analogue domain and/or the
digital one. The liner notes explain this much better then I could
ever do, so the music is subject of the review. All of the rambling
aside, it is a release that falls in the category of noise. Even when
such complicated methods of working were used, it’s still a work of
noise. I hasten to add, that I think this is a much more interesting
release then the common noise work, with subtle changes and rapid
editing. An interesting work in a nice hand made package. (FdW)
Address: www.generatorsoundart.org
LOS MIEDOS TONTOS – MUSICA VENENO (3″ CDR by Hazard Records)
This release was a give away item from Hazard Records for the
magazine ‘Habal Habalim’ by a band called Los Miedos Tontos, which
means, I am told, The Silly Fears. Besides that I don’t know much
about them. On this ten track 3″ CDR they have ten little songs,
which all centre around the use of keyboards, synthesizers, samplers
and drum machines. However the songs are not abstract in anyway, but
quirky little melodies that sound at times romantic, at times filmic
and bears the influence of The Residents and Macromassa, an
influential band, sadly not much known outside Spain. Nice small
thing. (FdW)
Address: www.hazardrecords.org
THE KINGDOMS OF ELGALAND-VARGALAND 1992-2002 (2CD by Ash International)
The 10th anniversary of Elgaland-Vargaland causes for a celebration.
This country, founded by two kings, C.M. von Hauswolff and Leif
Elggren, claimed all non territorial spaces, including the digital
one. The country has many citizens and everybody can still become a
citizen. Probably the 48 tracks (49 if you include the Rehberg/Bauer
track on the Krev website), spanning over 150 minutes on two CD’s,
were collected amongst the citizens, simply because there are many
musicians a fellow country men. It’s simply an overwhelming thing
here, which is by no means easy to handle in a few lines of a review.
In general one could say that most of the citizens are boys with
computer toys. There are many static lines, crackling hisses, densely
layered fields of electronics. People like Mika Vainio, Ulf Bilting,
AER, BJ Nilsen, Rozenhall, Kent Tankred and many others do this. Is
the common music for Elgaland-Vargaland? Vox populi? Although I like
many of the tracks, the idea is inside my head that this could be any
sort of compilation, with just interesting music.
The compilations more funny, or less serious contributions are also
the highlights here. Oren Ambarchi brings in a bunch of kids singing
a song. Lary 7 playing the country’s anthem on Theremin. People Like
Us playing the anthem on a children’s organ. Or Fennesz take on A
Horse With No Name, now named ‘A Name With No Horse’. That sort of
thing. These funny counterpoints make this is into a nice
compilation. (FdW)
Address: www.ashinternational.com
CHRISTINA KUBISH – DIAPASON (CD by Semishigure)
Christina Kubisch is mostly known, I guess, as an artist who builts
intriguing installations, which deal with sound. Here she works with
something as simple as tuning forks, which range from 64 to 2048
hertz, and, if I understand correctly, the sound they produce is used
in an installation in a church were the sound is distributed over
three field of white pigmented loudspeakers (the booklet has some
nice photos of this, as well as the tuning forks). There are no
electronics used in this recording. This is a rather simple, but also
rather effective work. It lasts an hour, and the only thing one hear
is tuning forks, in various capacities, with irregular intervals. A
minimal and meditative recording, that as a recording also works fine
without the context of the installation. Music that fills your space
nicely with sound. A CD to put on ‘repeat’ and leave it there for the
next day or so. (FdW)
Address: www.bottrop-boy.com