Slowly Goes The Night

Zarko · 03-07-2010, 05:38 PM

Looking back on it, I wouldn’t have minded making a top 100 list, but it seems a bit redundant now that I have reviewed 20 out of he 100 elsewhere on the site. So rather, I am deciding to make another list of similar stature but mainly of albums that I would have in a top 100 that I haven’t reviewed (Though in no specific order) and also the first impressions I get on new albums that I listen to (Even if they do end up false in 4 months time). I hope I can share stuff that some of you will enjoy, and without further wasting your time…

Sofa – Grey

Sofa was a short lived project that began in 1993, and Grey was to be their only full-fledged release mid 1997, before the group disbanded at the end of the year. One of its members, Ian Ilavksy, is best known for the future creation of Constellation Records (God Speed You, Black Emperor’s label), which he co-founded, as well as his work with the post-rock band, Silver Mt. Zion. Unlike the future sound that would become synonymous with Constellation and Ilavsky himself, this is hardly under the realm of post-rock. Despite their short-lived existence, they were still able to develop their sound and style adequately to make this a fully realised album.

I guess you can describe the music as post-hardcore, however, having never ventured into the genre, I can’t say for certain. Once described as “Big Black meets Slint at a Joy Division tribute night”, this is probably an appropriately apt interpretation. It’s basically a tranquil Big Black (Cleaner?) with a lead singer who sounds like he wishes he was Ian Curtis re-incarnate. Not to say you can hear the bloke for the first few tracks, his voice being hidden beneath the layers of guitar work and drumming, though he does become clearer later in the album. When I first listened to the album, it was relatively noisy compared to most of my collection, but in the same regard, most aspects of the textured collage was identifiable and held its own place solidly in the larger scope of things. It does have its quieter moments, which mainly come in the second half of the album, but these developments are gradual rather than forceful.

The album does carry a certain post-rock aesthetic to it, if you are trying that hard to make such a connection. It isn’t overproduced at all though, unlike a lot of post-rock, which can only be a plus. In fact, for a largely solo and monetarily devoid effort, this sounds flat out amazing. The songs flow into each other so well it almost becomes a single amalgamated force. This can be distracting later in the album when you have no idea where you are track-wise, but this is a minor issue in my books.

One of the few interesting Constellation releases from my perspective, and it is cheap as anything to boot if bought from the label directly online (Only $16 US including postage and handling to Australia with hand made CD cases – No jewel cases here).

Bodychoke – Cold River Songs

Bodychoke is another relatively short lived project that existed between 93 and 99, however, unlike Sofa they managed to churn out three albums during that span of time and a compilation type album. Cold River Songs is probably their most well known work, however Steve Albini recorded their second release, Five Prostitutes, which sort of suggests what type of album it is to an extent. A side project of power electronic pioneers, Sutcliffe Jügend, Bodychoke embraces the rock side of noise industrial, and does so in a convincing manner.

The work on the album is of a sporadic nature. Unfocussed and abrasive, this actually works in its favour, as the songs turn into an inevitable violent mess. Control is a good example of a standard track, opening with coarse power electronics, which eventually fade away, allowing the group to build a crescendo which eases you into things before punching you in the mouth, fleshed out with distorted guitar noise and a strong repetitive guitar riff. The vocals begin out relatively ‘normal’, a foreboding baritone which turns into screaming when the instruments hit their peak. I don’t know whether it would be classified as screamo, again due to me not exploring the genre much, but I doubt it.

As I mentioned, the album does manage to jump around at a few key points. Longer songs such as Cold River Song and Aftermath, which both pass ten minutes in length, are distant from the quick construct songs such as Control and Victim. There are also some great moments which take advantage of the cello, but still seems to fit well into the overall aesthetic of the album, almost eerily so at times. The overall theme of the album is obvious if you manage to discern the vocal work (Or bother to), and is one of hate and disgust. Not necessarily aimed at any one person or group of people in particular, but just a general focus.

There isn’t any particular duality between the two albums. I just think they strike a specific vibe with me that always eventuates into comparing them, possibly due to their time frame and stylistic nature, but on the whole they don’t have much to do with each other.

SATCHMO · 03-07-2010, 05:52 PM

I like it when you start threads. This looks to be perfectly Zarko, and I look forward to more.

Also, if I ever start a post-rock band I'm totally stealing the title.

jackhammer · 03-07-2010, 05:56 PM

Sometimes there are still good reasons to come back to MB. Threads like this enforce that view. Looking forward to this one.

sidewinder · 03-07-2010, 07:37 PM

Not feeling the Sofa too much, but Bodychoke sounds like it's worth further investigation. Definitely something I would have loved in the early-mid 90s. Might not fit in with my life now, but I'll check it out.

Zarko · 03-12-2010, 04:32 AM

Redshape – The Dance Paradox

Released October 2009 is a recent favourite of mine from Redshape, an enigmatic minimalist Techno artist hailing from Germany. Although I have never been a huge fan of Detroit Techno in its lonesome, its impact is hard to ignore on the electronic scene, and here is an album that takes full advantage of its colourful heritage. Redshape has released a few 12” records (Primarily to western Euro dance markets), but TDP is his first attempt at a full length album. When it comes to electronic music of this nature, its always the singles and remixes that get the air time, but there is a special quality that comes with an artist releasing a fleshed out album that actually maintains its quality throughout.

As mentioned, this album encompasses a Detroit Techno sound whilst managing to remain unique and vibrant. It isn’t overly abstract, but still occasionally throws a wild ball at you, such as Rorschach’s Game. The overall sound is heavy and dominating, particularly noticeable early in Bound Part 1 & 2, an eight minute epic. The music is incredibly layered, both in the sound as well as the stylistic and artistic approach, and the combination stops it from becoming a redundant and repetitive album the further you go along.

A particular stand out is Man Out Of Time, which embodies all that I love about this album. The percussion aspects are timed so perfectly that they both stand out vividly from the surrounding noise and still manage to fit into the overall scheme. It manages all these aspects in a way that obviously makes this more interesting than the standard dance album, but also retains its energy. It’s a boppin’ album.

Mention must be made of Paradox Dubs, a short remix of two of the albums tracks, Man Out Of Time and Deep Space. If you find yourself liking the album itself these are well worth digging out of the fire. As well as all that, apparently none of his live shows are exactly the same, always looking for a dynamic evolution for his shows so they don’t get repetitive. Can't wait til he comes to Adelaide in May.

Legion Of Green Men – Spatial Specific

This album manages to be quite a few different things when it comes to electronic music from the early 90’s, but it is always interesting. Released in 1994, the Canadian duo of Alexander “Lex” Addicus and Rupert “Ru” J. Lloyd have never really taken off, which is a shame, because this album manages to be a classic for a fair number of people when I introduce it to them.

The best way to describe LOGM as a whole is probably psychedelic, which isn’t really helpful whatsoever. It is chilled out with some solid beats, and full of lush and deep sounds. The rest of their discography, whilst okay, doesn’t really come close to matching the complex combination of ideas and fluidity that Spatial Specific manages to build up over the duration of the album. On the album are their best tunes, particularly Synaptic Response (Faculties of Cognition) and Venerations of the Goddess.

The album is fairly cleanly cut into two types of songs – The first being introduction songs or small breaks (To Kiss The Hare’s Foot and Time Tunnel both only reach 13 seconds in duration) and then their focal pieces, most of which break the six minute barrier (Synaptic/Mosaic Eye/Venerations/Extended Shadows all between 6-9 minutes whilst The Philosophers Stone and Ashes Rolling Over both pass 10 minutes each).

Spatial Specific is a much-loved album in general of mine and a favourite electronic album.

Bulldog · 03-12-2010, 06:02 PM

Just had a read through all these, played the songs and such and, having not heard a squeak from any of these lot previously, gotta say it was Redshape and Bodychoke who stood out the most for me. Loved the hypnotic beats on the former's tunes, and how they just kinda melted into the rest of the sonic picture. Bodychoke sound great as well - much more of a slap in the face, as you say, and it'd be interesting to hear for myself where the rest of the album goes considering your review. I liked the others, but Sofa don't sound like they peddle something I listen to as often as a lot of other music (I'm never really in that kinda mood often these days), and the Legion Of Green Men (I'm stealing that name if I ever start a band by the way) sound like something that takes more than one listen to sink in for me.

Good start to the list this - already at least two albums I should check out myself.

Zarko · 07-14-2010, 08:53 PM

Good **** I've found post-crash

Lost most of my music a while back. Took about a month for me to bother trying to scrounge it all together again from other people I had given stuff to. For the most part I didn't bother with what I didn't remember, so I've just gone on a DLing spree. Some decent results.

Pendulum - 3 Knocks
No, not the Pendulum we all know and love*, but another Aussie band, called Pendulum, coming from Melbourne, active between 1994-1997. Throughout the album there is an amalgamation of a few different styles. Ambient house probably the most prevalent. Either way, ****ing A.

we™ - As Is
Another older one, 1997. we™ released this beauty 'As Is', to little fan fare, but it is a pretty great listen. Some early Amon Tobin-like DnB sounds. Check it out either way, classic album

Bulldog · 07-17-2010, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zarko

Lost most of my music a while back. Took about a month for me to bother trying to scrounge it all together again from other people I had given stuff to.

You should have got in touch with me mate - I've taken up at least 5-10 recommendations from this thread over time.

Good to see you're still keeping this going as well, regardless of your musical fortunes lately, and a good job you're not on about he Pendulum I thought you were for a second or two

Talking of DLing sprees, I've been getting into a lot of similar ambient/downtempo stuff myself lately (well, in most cases anyway), so true to form this album's genuinely piqued my interest. Unfortunately, that also means I've got about 750 other new albums to listen to as well. Still, I'll report back with a thought or two whenever I get round to it

Zarko · 07-17-2010, 07:20 AM

I primarily meant mates I had given the music to, and then I only had to burn CDs/DVDs of music back from them, but thats either way.

Geomatic - 64 Light Years Away
A pleasing listen in the right frame of mind. Tribal dark ambient with an occasional burst of industrial to disperse the sounds. Not great listening at all times though, have to be in the mood I spose. Released April this year.

Eraldo Bernocchi and Blackfilm - Along The Corridors
Blackfilm (As reviewed in this thread) with a master, Corridors often defining both theirs sounds vividly whilst bringing in some foreign substances to make the proceedings all the better. Similar to Geomatic, not the best listen in all situations, but again well worth the price* of admission.

Bulldog · 07-19-2010, 05:02 AM

I loved the atmospherics on that Blackfilm track, but wasn't so much a fan of the beat - a bit imposing for me. Not bad stuff by any means though. That Geomatic track was really impressive stuff though, definitely goes well with that picture. Tell you what, you might find it worth checking out some Supersilent when you can. They're more in line with modern avant-jazz, but have quite a few characteristics in common with dark ambient and sound a little bit industrial too...at least from what I've heard.

03-07-2010, 05:38 PM	#141 (permalink)
Zarko Barely Disheveled Zombie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1,196	Sharing Albums of Sudden Significance and Assorted Importance Looking back on it, I wouldn’t have minded making a top 100 list, but it seems a bit redundant now that I have reviewed 20 out of he 100 elsewhere on the site. So rather, I am deciding to make another list of similar stature but mainly of albums that I would have in a top 100 that I haven’t reviewed (Though in no specific order) and also the first impressions I get on new albums that I listen to (Even if they do end up false in 4 months time). I hope I can share stuff that some of you will enjoy, and without further wasting your time… Sofa – Grey Sofa was a short lived project that began in 1993, and Grey was to be their only full-fledged release mid 1997, before the group disbanded at the end of the year. One of its members, Ian Ilavksy, is best known for the future creation of Constellation Records (God Speed You, Black Emperor’s label), which he co-founded, as well as his work with the post-rock band, Silver Mt. Zion. Unlike the future sound that would become synonymous with Constellation and Ilavsky himself, this is hardly under the realm of post-rock. Despite their short-lived existence, they were still able to develop their sound and style adequately to make this a fully realised album. I guess you can describe the music as post-hardcore, however, having never ventured into the genre, I can’t say for certain. Once described as “Big Black meets Slint at a Joy Division tribute night”, this is probably an appropriately apt interpretation. It’s basically a tranquil Big Black (Cleaner?) with a lead singer who sounds like he wishes he was Ian Curtis re-incarnate. Not to say you can hear the bloke for the first few tracks, his voice being hidden beneath the layers of guitar work and drumming, though he does become clearer later in the album. When I first listened to the album, it was relatively noisy compared to most of my collection, but in the same regard, most aspects of the textured collage was identifiable and held its own place solidly in the larger scope of things. It does have its quieter moments, which mainly come in the second half of the album, but these developments are gradual rather than forceful. The album does carry a certain post-rock aesthetic to it, if you are trying that hard to make such a connection. It isn’t overproduced at all though, unlike a lot of post-rock, which can only be a plus. In fact, for a largely solo and monetarily devoid effort, this sounds flat out amazing. The songs flow into each other so well it almost becomes a single amalgamated force. This can be distracting later in the album when you have no idea where you are track-wise, but this is a minor issue in my books. One of the few interesting Constellation releases from my perspective, and it is cheap as anything to boot if bought from the label directly online (Only $16 US including postage and handling to Australia with hand made CD cases – No jewel cases here). Bodychoke – Cold River Songs Bodychoke is another relatively short lived project that existed between 93 and 99, however, unlike Sofa they managed to churn out three albums during that span of time and a compilation type album. Cold River Songs is probably their most well known work, however Steve Albini recorded their second release, Five Prostitutes, which sort of suggests what type of album it is to an extent. A side project of power electronic pioneers, Sutcliffe Jügend, Bodychoke embraces the rock side of noise industrial, and does so in a convincing manner. The work on the album is of a sporadic nature. Unfocussed and abrasive, this actually works in its favour, as the songs turn into an inevitable violent mess. Control is a good example of a standard track, opening with coarse power electronics, which eventually fade away, allowing the group to build a crescendo which eases you into things before punching you in the mouth, fleshed out with distorted guitar noise and a strong repetitive guitar riff. The vocals begin out relatively ‘normal’, a foreboding baritone which turns into screaming when the instruments hit their peak. I don’t know whether it would be classified as screamo, again due to me not exploring the genre much, but I doubt it. As I mentioned, the album does manage to jump around at a few key points. Longer songs such as Cold River Song and Aftermath, which both pass ten minutes in length, are distant from the quick construct songs such as Control and Victim. There are also some great moments which take advantage of the cello, but still seems to fit well into the overall aesthetic of the album, almost eerily so at times. The overall theme of the album is obvious if you manage to discern the vocal work (Or bother to), and is one of hate and disgust. Not necessarily aimed at any one person or group of people in particular, but just a general focus. There isn’t any particular duality between the two albums. I just think they strike a specific vibe with me that always eventuates into comparing them, possibly due to their time frame and stylistic nature, but on the whole they don’t have much to do with each other.

03-07-2010, 05:56 PM	#143 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Sometimes there are still good reasons to come back to MB. Threads like this enforce that view. Looking forward to this one. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

03-07-2010, 07:37 PM	#144 (permalink)
sidewinder Engorged Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,536	Not feeling the Sofa too much, but Bodychoke sounds like it's worth further investigation. Definitely something I would have loved in the early-mid 90s. Might not fit in with my life now, but I'll check it out. __________________ last.fm \| my collection on RYM \| vinyl instagram @allthatyouseeandhear I'd love to see your signature/links too, but the huge and obnoxious ones have caused me to block all signatures.

03-07-2010, 05:52 PM	#142 (permalink)
SATCHMO Al Dente Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 4,708	I like it when you start threads. This looks to be perfectly Zarko, and I look forward to more. Also, if I ever start a post-rock band I'm totally stealing the title.

03-12-2010, 04:32 AM	#145 (permalink)
Zarko Barely Disheveled Zombie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1,196	Redshape – The Dance Paradox Released October 2009 is a recent favourite of mine from Redshape, an enigmatic minimalist Techno artist hailing from Germany. Although I have never been a huge fan of Detroit Techno in its lonesome, its impact is hard to ignore on the electronic scene, and here is an album that takes full advantage of its colourful heritage. Redshape has released a few 12” records (Primarily to western Euro dance markets), but TDP is his first attempt at a full length album. When it comes to electronic music of this nature, its always the singles and remixes that get the air time, but there is a special quality that comes with an artist releasing a fleshed out album that actually maintains its quality throughout. As mentioned, this album encompasses a Detroit Techno sound whilst managing to remain unique and vibrant. It isn’t overly abstract, but still occasionally throws a wild ball at you, such as Rorschach’s Game. The overall sound is heavy and dominating, particularly noticeable early in Bound Part 1 & 2, an eight minute epic. The music is incredibly layered, both in the sound as well as the stylistic and artistic approach, and the combination stops it from becoming a redundant and repetitive album the further you go along. A particular stand out is Man Out Of Time, which embodies all that I love about this album. The percussion aspects are timed so perfectly that they both stand out vividly from the surrounding noise and still manage to fit into the overall scheme. It manages all these aspects in a way that obviously makes this more interesting than the standard dance album, but also retains its energy. It’s a boppin’ album. Mention must be made of Paradox Dubs, a short remix of two of the albums tracks, Man Out Of Time and Deep Space. If you find yourself liking the album itself these are well worth digging out of the fire. As well as all that, apparently none of his live shows are exactly the same, always looking for a dynamic evolution for his shows so they don’t get repetitive. Can't wait til he comes to Adelaide in May. Legion Of Green Men – Spatial Specific This album manages to be quite a few different things when it comes to electronic music from the early 90’s, but it is always interesting. Released in 1994, the Canadian duo of Alexander “Lex” Addicus and Rupert “Ru” J. Lloyd have never really taken off, which is a shame, because this album manages to be a classic for a fair number of people when I introduce it to them. The best way to describe LOGM as a whole is probably psychedelic, which isn’t really helpful whatsoever. It is chilled out with some solid beats, and full of lush and deep sounds. The rest of their discography, whilst okay, doesn’t really come close to matching the complex combination of ideas and fluidity that Spatial Specific manages to build up over the duration of the album. On the album are their best tunes, particularly Synaptic Response (Faculties of Cognition) and Venerations of the Goddess. The album is fairly cleanly cut into two types of songs – The first being introduction songs or small breaks (To Kiss The Hare’s Foot and Time Tunnel both only reach 13 seconds in duration) and then their focal pieces, most of which break the six minute barrier (Synaptic/Mosaic Eye/Venerations/Extended Shadows all between 6-9 minutes whilst The Philosophers Stone and Ashes Rolling Over both pass 10 minutes each). Spatial Specific is a much-loved album in general of mine and a favourite electronic album.

03-12-2010, 06:02 PM	#146 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Just had a read through all these, played the songs and such and, having not heard a squeak from any of these lot previously, gotta say it was Redshape and Bodychoke who stood out the most for me. Loved the hypnotic beats on the former's tunes, and how they just kinda melted into the rest of the sonic picture. Bodychoke sound great as well - much more of a slap in the face, as you say, and it'd be interesting to hear for myself where the rest of the album goes considering your review. I liked the others, but Sofa don't sound like they peddle something I listen to as often as a lot of other music (I'm never really in that kinda mood often these days), and the Legion Of Green Men (I'm stealing that name if I ever start a band by the way) sound like something that takes more than one listen to sink in for me. Good start to the list this - already at least two albums I should check out myself.

07-14-2010, 08:53 PM	#147 (permalink)
Zarko Barely Disheveled Zombie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1,196	Good I've found post-crash Lost most of my music a while back. Took about a month for me to bother trying to scrounge it all together again from other people I had given stuff to. For the most part I didn't bother with what I didn't remember, so I've just gone on a DLing spree. Some decent results. Pendulum - 3 Knocks No, not the Pendulum we all know and love, but another Aussie band, called Pendulum, coming from Melbourne, active between 1994-1997. Throughout the album there is an amalgamation of a few different styles. Ambient house probably the most prevalent. Either way, ***ing A. we™ - As Is Another older one, 1997. we™ released this beauty 'As Is', to little fan fare, but it is a pretty great listen. Some early Amon Tobin-like DnB sounds. Check it out either way, classic album

07-17-2010, 07:20 AM	#149 (permalink)
Zarko Barely Disheveled Zombie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1,196	I primarily meant mates I had given the music to, and then I only had to burn CDs/DVDs of music back from them, but thats either way. Geomatic - 64 Light Years Away A pleasing listen in the right frame of mind. Tribal dark ambient with an occasional burst of industrial to disperse the sounds. Not great listening at all times though, have to be in the mood I spose. Released April this year. Eraldo Bernocchi and Blackfilm - Along The Corridors Blackfilm (As reviewed in this thread) with a master, Corridors often defining both theirs sounds vividly whilst bringing in some foreign substances to make the proceedings all the better. Similar to Geomatic, not the best listen in all situations, but again well worth the price* of admission.

07-19-2010, 05:02 AM	#150 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	I loved the atmospherics on that Blackfilm track, but wasn't so much a fan of the beat - a bit imposing for me. Not bad stuff by any means though. That Geomatic track was really impressive stuff though, definitely goes well with that picture. Tell you what, you might find it worth checking out some Supersilent when you can. They're more in line with modern avant-jazz, but have quite a few characteristics in common with dark ambient and sound a little bit industrial too...at least from what I've heard.