Well, I've been waiting impatiently for the collected idm take on the new
Spring Heel Jack offering. Since it doesn't seem to be forthcoming, I
figured why not kick it off? My review writing skills are not particularly
honed, but I suppose I can de-lurk for a bit.
Anyhow, picked up 'Disappeared' last week after reading a particularly
negative review in Wire. Not that I usually pay too much attention to those
guys, but I was a little hesitant given the extreme negativity. I was
actually surprised at my hesitation given the fact that I think SHJ's body
of work (with the possible exception of 'Busy Curious Thirsty') holds up
alongside any of the acknowledged 'best of' idm over the last few years.
Honestly? First listen, I hated it. On the surface, it seemed like a
pretty aimless collection of abrasive (for the sake of abrasiveness) sounds
coupled with some strange trumpet and clarinet meanderings. Fortunately for
me, likely because of my admiration for them, I gave it a couple more spins
over the following days and I've pulled a complete 180. Taken individually,
none of the tracks seems particularly outstanding (although 'Mit Wut',
'Bane', 'Trouble & Luck', and 'Wolfing' come quite close), the album works
incredibly well as a full piece. The drum and bass elements are almost
completely gone now, replaced by an interesting array of guitar
samples/distortion and horn snippets - most of which have been tuned towards
the slightly 'off' end of the scale. The beats are fairly straightforward,
but generally build in a compelling way throughout the album. I'd say that
if you really looked, there's a bit of a pop album in here as well, but it
takes a bit of hunting to uncover it. I guess that's why I've always
admired these guys, in as much as they seem to be able to experiment while
still maintaining the strong sense of musicianship they've exhibited from
day 1. 'Disappeared' is the logical continuation of that progression in my
opinion, certainly one of the most compelling 'idm' (at least my vision of
what 'idm' is supposed to represent) releases I've heard in a very long
time.
Oh, and I take it back. 'Trouble & Luck' is amazing.
xoph
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