wire adepts might be intrigued to learn of these late developments:
SWIMMING AGAINST THE CURRENT
Unassuming and low key, for the last 18 months the charms of Swim
have rippled anonymously into the datastream. Tentatively adopted and
cautiously championed by Balearic extremists, this non-techno label is
steadily reaching more and more techno people. Their releases are
incomprehensibly strong, with music crossing the broadest possible
spectrum, inspired by a refusal to adhere to any retro sensitivities.
Diverse and completely confusing, their records can be identified by Jon
Wozencroft's extraordinary elemental artwork, included on both the covers
and labels. Here's a breakdown on the latest three from this desktop record
company, with partial discography below.
Swim Vwm3 Colin Newman - 'Voice' 1995.3
The E.P. opens with 'Automation', a track defined within a plethora
of ideas, adapting multiple audio sources into a form which stalks the
marginal shadowlands beyond the narrow confines of ordinary genres. A
voice, expounding oral poetics, elucidates the paradox of modern life;
winding casually, the song submerges beneath the sound. The beguiling 'Faq'
soon follows. From a seemingly simple structure, beautiful tones fluctuate
in parallel to an undercurrent of diverse drum patterns. Low burning, bass
bouncing and feedback fuelled, 'Voice' features noises culled from the
voyeuristic repository of the industrious Robin Rimbaud (aka Scanner). With
live drumming provided by Daniel Dimitrovsky, the track carries distant DIY
echoes of first generation punk, Jah Wobble or even Wire themselves (Newman
being a founder member). 'Output' incorporates splinters of sound,
fragmentary conversations, plaintive human cries, distant chants, displaced
mechanisms and analogue voices, then wraps them into a creatively delicate,
melodious disharmony.
Swim Vwm4.1 Immersion Remixes vol.1 1995.2
'Oscillating Between' remixed by Mark Gage in Vapour Space, serves
as an immaculate introduction, with analogue eccentricities building into a
procession of pandemonium. This impressive array of electronic intrigue
fades as subtly as it builds. 'Les Ies Flottantes' remixed by Intens
(actually Colin Newman and partner Malka Spigel) is confrontational by
comparison, yet communicative with odd noises littering a post-Industrial
scheme. Trawl's remix of 'Water Walker' is indescribably wonderful.
Sensuously agile, provocatively perfunct and rhythmically robust. (Is this
really a Scanner alias?) A further revision of 'Oscillating Between' comes
from Craig Wharton and is infused with activity. An avalanche of micro
beats hooks into an almost mythically proportioned, deranged wailing. The
flow is deep and the components are unique. Expanding tones are expelled
like Inuit circular breathing. All four of these revisionary
interpretations make valuable and valid tools for the more dexterous
audiophile or adventurous disc manipulator. Casting the net as wide as
possible, these are the first fruits of a remix project which will include
monthly vinyl releases and at least 2 CD compilations.
Swim Vwm4.2 Immersion Remixes vol.2 1995.4
'Telepathic Water Walker' reproduced by Fred Giannelli is
provocative, opaque and mysterious. Confident and assured, the tempo rises
in the Deneuve style mastered by the psi-man himself. Undoubtedly some of
the best material currently available on +8 is being produced on
Giannelli's Telepathic imprint, in evidence here.
Iris remixing 'Hydraulic' shapes a momentary interlude of old style
Detroit derived driven techno, resplendent with Transmat style strings. By
comparison, the 'Slow Drift' mix reimmersed by Claude Young offers the
sublime imagination and unique sophistication of new Detroit. As poised and
melodious as the title implies, listen out for Young in collaboration with
Motor City veteran Anthony Shakir.
Formerly a drummer with metallic extremists Napalm Death, Mick
Harris now records as Scorn. Here the contrast could not be more apparent.
Created, mixed and recorded live at the Wall of Silence, 'Walkabout' is as
magical as the setting sun. The track just seems to lean in from long
distance, edging closely until it mesmerically enters your consciousness.
Profuse, rich and to be treasured on cold nights.
All original versions are to be found on 'Oscillating' by Immersion
(Swim Vwm4). Reward your ear canals. Learn to Swim. Hear new voices from a
new wave.
(approx 650w, written April 1995, published April 1995)
Desmond K. Hill
e-mail: des@anubis23.demon.co.uk
Swim Vwm1 Oracle Earth - 'Oscillating Remixes' vol.1 1995.1
Swim Vwm2 The Ghostwriter - 'Resolution' 1995.2
Swim Vwm3 Colin Newman - 'Voice' 1995.3
Swim Vwm4 Immersion - 'Oscillating'
Swim Vwm4.1 Immersion Remixes vol.1 1995.2
Swim Vwm4.2 Immersion Remixes vol.2 1995.4