 Various
Artists
"Describing Paranoia" CDR
Parasomnic
Records
Genres: ambient, experimental, electronic
Parasomnic
PMB 2211
10002 Aurora Avenue N, #36
Seattle WA 98133
Apr 5 - 11 2004 |
Describing Paranoia is Parasomnic Records' second release,
following their previous Somniloquies, Vol. 1 disc.
Though both releases are compilations, there are a few key
differences. Firstly, Describing Paranoia is a CDR, while
Somniloquies was a CD. A step down? Perhaps that
could be construed from the situation, but in actuality the 'amateur'
format was chosen to make this release more unique and special - this
is actually a limited edition comp. True fans of the
experimental and ambient underground will surely appreciate that many
CDR releases surpass the quality of those commonly available on
professionally-mastered compact discs.
The second main difference is that, while Somniloquies
featured a rather large number of contributors, Describing Paranoia
limits itself to four - each one donating three tracks to the
cause. As such, this is more of a split album than a
compilation, and thusly allows more time for each act to flaunt its
assets.
First on deck is Anaphylaxis, the DIY ambient pseudonym of Jason
Coffman. His compositions are dark and atmospheric, using
elements of found sounds, noise, and electronics to create a sobering,
powerful soundscape. Dark ambient fans will be in love.
Hollydrift follows with three pieces of his own
creation. His focus is on abstract, atmospheric music, though
there is a lot of experimentation with spoken word samples going on as
well. Hollydrift brainchild Mathias Anderson has come up
with some very interesting work - this is dark enough to be creepy and
mind-massaging, and conceptual enough to interest those more
infatuated with the 'academic' side of experimental music.
Kava Project comes up next, offering a fine collection of
rhythmic drone tracks - imagine ambient atmospherics crossed with
tribal percussion. Though they have creepy, almost evil
overtones, KP's three compositions are also quite relaxing and
smooth - in the dark, these pieces create a very powerful and
interesting effect.
The Devouring Element closes off this disc with a batch of
experimental tracks mixed with noise, spoken word, and quite a few
electronica-influenced elements, especially rhythmically. Though
the chosen compositions are quite eclectic, and may have some problems
with flow, for the most part TDE's material is of high
quality.
If someone were to come up with a definitive list of DIY-style dark
ambient releases, Describing Paranoia could easily find a place
on it. Take a look.
85%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 12 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
