IDM Mailing Archive

quoted 9 lines I just picked up a copy of the the Sneakster

>I just picked up a copy of the the Sneakster >"Splinters" EP on Bella Union - >so far I find it rather disappointing. How >does the album compare to this? > >What happened to the good old days of "Quique" >and "Succour"? > >Mike.

I got both the ep and album about 2 weeks ago, and I have to say that I'm not disappointed. I really love Mark's earlier work as Seefeel and Disjecta, and have also been enjoying Mark van Hoen's song excursions in Morning Light and Annie Williams' Ruby EP. That's the camp that I see the Sneakster releases as being in. I'm not overly keen on track 1 of the ep, but find the simple effectiveness of tracks 2 and 3 very powerful. In the same way as the last track off Clean Pit and Lid. Track 4 off the ep I really enjoy too - lovely electronicy crunchy sounds with wonderful melody also. Not so used to the vocals but hey, I'm sure a pure diet of electronics must be bad for you :-) As for the album, it's a very well thought out selection of tracks that works very well. The first track has some piercing noises like a track off Ch-vox and has a very compulsive off- kilter rhythm, as much of the sneakster stuff has. A couple of tracks have really nice clear crisp instruments that maybe a treated guitar? I love the sound of them, especially with the flute. The track I'm thinking of is number 4 and is instrumental. Another thing I like about the album is, like Stasis' Inspirations, it whets your apetite for tastier tracks to come later. Track 6 is based on the last track, which is a real killer IMHO. Maybe I've been a little too superlative in my review but that reflects the way I feel about the album right now. I'd say that if you have found yourself inexplicably attracted to seefeel's music in the past, and are willing to listen and appreciate new sounds, then pseudo- neuveau will be very satisfying. -Ed Bond ps. I think that Push Button Objects - Half Dozen is easily their/his best work yet.