Avmus
Self-titled CDR
Self-released
Genres: electronica, post-rock
e-mail the artist
Dec 15 - 21 2003 |
Avmus,
or John C. Miller as he officially known, is an independent
musician who's been specializing in his own brand of
post-rock-influenced electronica for the past few years. This
self-titled CDR is his debut full-length, following a small-scale demo
EP
that came out awhile ago.
Avmus is an extremely ambitious musician, and that is quite
evident on this disc. Although it is merely one of the many
self-released, dully-designed CDRs we get sent, there's a certain
charm here, accentuated by Miller's sheer love and passion
towards music. His electronic, often ambient songs aren't all
great, but his efforts are not wasted; often, the sheer ideas and
melodic talent yield terrific results.
The disc's best moments are its most original. The bouncy
electronic joyfulness of "Untitled" is remarkably fun,
despite its simplicity; its Plone-meets-videogame vibe is
amazingly well done. "Anthem Abridged" is also a very
solid piece of slick electro, and "She Sits Like a Model" is
the album's best, a melodic and yet experimental techno soundscape
that hits all the right notes. Unfortunately, carbon copy tracks
like "Shhh... You'll Wake Workers" and "Walk With Mary" weigh
down on the album's flow, and don't really offer anything worth
listening to.
Though not the most original or excellent album in the world, Avmus'
self-titled disc is a very enjoyable full-length that is worth a try
if you can get it cheap. Either way, download "She Sits
Like a Model" from Avmus'
website if you're up for some homemade experimental techno - it's
a really good listen.
76%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 10 tracks, distributed by the
artist, released 2003] |