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Date: Tue, 14 Nov 1995 16:10:34 +0000
To: idm-reviews@hyperreal.com
From: "Desmond K. Hill" <des@anubis23.demon.co.uk>
Subject: disappointment
The Black Dog 'Parallel' (GPR CD) **
Various 'South of Market' (Reflective, 12") **
Like memory, history rewrites, reprocesses & recreates itself,
unremittingly. A trio of electronic reclusives, The Black Dog split their
creative partnership last year. These two recent releases illustrate their
influence yet are curiously at odds with one another. On 'Parallel' fondly
familiar motifs from earlier works return. Though lasting less than 50
minutes this compilation does not amounts to much more. In the context of
four full length releases however, The Black Dog achieved an audio
exploration of narrative through technology. That influence was to convey
Detroit innovation forward into populist acceptance. The sparse shuttling
soundtracks on 'Parallel' expose an impatience that becomes as
unpredictable & intermittent as the leaks from their numerous machines. Not
the best indication of their work by far, altogether rather scant, yet
still a valid release. More squeaky though less sparkling than its
holographic centre-piece, 'South of Market' is the latest release on
Californian imprint Reflective. Featuring Andy Turner & Ed Handley (ex-The
Black Dog) & recorded with Mark Broom & Jonah Sharp, presumably in a matter
of minutes one evening in San Francisco, it conveys how far dislocated
techno has become from its prudent origins; all too easily assembled.
(DH)