MUTEK Montreal
Electromagnetic punk using the sound of electrical potential
These guys absolutely killed it at MUTEK Montreal, at one point using the audience as a circuit that the leader would "play" by touching the hand of the person in front of him. Main instruments are CRT televisions, a room fan and a rack of PC cooling fans. One of the most joyous and unhinged performances I've ever witnessed. Ei Wada and crew are also behind Open Reel Ensemble who played the festival two years prior.
I truly love practically everything that Roméo Poirer has produced, although when first previewing this one I hesitated, as it felt so removed? disjointed? from the gently expanding constructions on Living Room etc.
I was dead wrong. This record is extraordinary, built from countless snippets of studio chatter, talkback mics and other detritus from the recording process. It's a love letter to the creative process, subtle moving from the analogue to digital through its runtime. I've listened to this countless times this year so far, to a near obsessive degree.
(I want to live in this apartment)
Got this one on the recommendation of Joe Muggs in The Guardian. It certainly owes a lot in texture and approach to Boards Of Canada etc., but I'd say I like it more than BOC's recent work.
The fact that he created this in a refugee camp north of the Arctic Circle, along with the video synthesis pieces that comprise the artwork and videos for the record, make this effort all the more impressive.
A journey through power electronics, modern dub, contemporary classical, field recordings and shortwave radio broadcasts.
Valentines Day Mix.
