On “Swallowing The Sun”, Distorted Memory took the basic industrial/EBM formula and infused it with a wide variety of tribal and ethnic features, presenting a sound not often heard in this genre. Unfortunately, however, the standard industrial vocal effects diminish this release. Apart from the tribal ingredients, there is not a lot that sets this album apart from other releases in its genre.
Category: Featured Reviews
This Morn’ Omina – L’Unification des Forces Opposantes
This Morn’ Omina return with “L’Unification des Forces Opposantes,” which is broken into two separate CDs. The first showcases the tribal and electronic mesh they are so well known for and adept at creating; the second presents more of an electro environment.
David Wells – Rojo
“Rojo” plays to expectations, its primary aspects in line with other drone work – circular motifs, rich textures and infinitesimal evolutions. It is a model for a genre that finds itself refined to a point where there is little left to discover, but immeasurable time to savor what has been done.
Yen Pox – Universal Emptiness
It is not every day that a new release by Yen Pox sees the light of day. Let it be said that this one was highly anticipated by their fans. Substantia Innominata has added another classic release to its roster, and all parties involved have something new on their CV of which they can be really, really proud.
Past the Mark – Hakhel Tribulation
Past the Mark’s proficiency in marrying prominent guitar riffs with electronic accents and layers lends itself to longer compositions, something which this reviewer hopes for in the collaboration’s future. Post-rock, after all, can get away with being epic.
Be My Delay – To the Other Side
From the eclectic (not to mention unexpected) instrument choices, including Tibetan bells run through a wah-wah, up to and including the incorporation of voice as more than merely a vehicle for lyrics – it all makes for a pretty impressive concept. Alas, concept isn’t everything.
Daniel Alexander Hignell – Soundscape Study 001
The result of Daniel Alexander Hignell’s studies is a journey through a desolate town, but as is reasonably normal in the scene of minimalism, isolationism and soundscapes, desolation is something beautiful that embraces you and makes you feel alive.
Kerkville – Days
Definitely a high standard, as we are accustomed from Triple Bath, but despite that it is an enjoyable album, and good listening, and great artwork, and very well performed… it also lacks something. It’s hard to put your finger on it, but it just doesn’t ‘fit’.
Wieloryb – Empty
Wierloyb brings you a release with plenty of powerful, booming and rhythmic noises and beats – as would be expected for something released on the Hands label. Though some of the material can be a bit repetitive, the album never seems to become mundane or boring and most of the tracks are short enough not to lose interest.
Orphx – Radiotherapy
“Radiotherapy” is a subtle, somehow fragile, blend of simultaneously complex and simple rhythmic elements; insistent blips and cracks emerge, always appealing, never irritating. Stepping down from the harder, pounding beats of albums such as “Insurgent Flows”, this new work is a welcome return to the more atmospheric tones of earlier times.