Review: Sense - Goodbye Mr Henderson (Aural Industries) AI004CD
Re-asserting his talents as a producer of intelligent electronica is Mr
Raisbeck, otherwise known as Sense. Moving on from the epic delights of his
Fourier Transformations EP this slab of contemplative melodies can be found
on the innovative Aural Industries label. So different is this offering that
it is immediately apparent that something has happened, the minimal black
and white cover, the sense of farewell and melancholy affect the listener as
the title track begins. Minimal orchestrations back a repeated string-like
refrain which slows and breaks down, reminiscent of those beautiful
fade-outs from Autechre. Tracks two and three are given probable date codes
(250900 and 010700) only furthering the sense that time is important and
leaving the impression that the music is suffused with a memorial quality.
The first of these two is a gorgeously simple arrangement of chattering
pulses over soft pads which echo into the distance. 010700 provides a
perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea and a long look at the grey skies
overhead. Finally we are faced with Last Right, confirming, for those who
needed it, that this is a sad though positive affirmation of personal loss.
I would compare this track with the funereal yet burningly passionate
statement found in the first track from Jochem Paaps Vrs Mbnt Pcs II on the
FAX label. This is clearly a personal project as much as a public outing for
Sense, this is finally confirmed by a look at the html and movie files
contained on the disc. Our lasting mental images are of painful emotions,
tangled bedroom technology and a digital aesthetic leaving the music with an
added poignancy. This is a testament to friendship and a bitter-sweet
reminder that electronic music can touch us in many different ways.
rA 10.03.02
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