Various Artists
"Dielectric Records Volume One" CD
Dielectric
Records
Genres: experimental electronic, IDM, drone
Dielectric Records
472 1/2 Alcatraz Avenue
Oakland CA 94609
Feb 16 - 22 2004 |
The art of the compilation. Such a complicated thing.
Everything is about balance and flow. And on Volume One
of Dielectric's sampler series, there isn't a moment where things
don't work perfectly. This disc gives you sixteen tracks by five different Dielectric
acts, and though all of this fits under the general IDM, electronica,
and drone tags, there's still quite a bit of variety on display
here. Things start off with Sote, who contributes
two. "Wicked Trust" is a long, experimental electro
epic (think Autechre, Aphex Twin, and the Suction
Records roster - Lowfish especially - all wrapped into one) and "XOXO," from a
12" of the same name, is a step away from power noise. Virgox
also adds two high quality, clicky, beaty pieces to the compilation.
However, this compilation's best tracks come from Carson Day. His four pieces fall under the clicky IDM banner,
except also boast some deceptively unique, strong hooks.
"Get Hurt," for example, is one of the most enjoyable
electronic songs to come out in a long while - aside from a crunchy,
complex rhythm, the use of an uplifting melody and some neat,
big-beat-esque vocal samplage really tops the cake. The creepy
"Come Here Often" is also a highlight.
The compilation is finished off by four tracks each by Die
Elektrischen and Karen Stackpole. The former's pieces
are glitchy and highly experimental (think Mego or
Skipp acts), whereas the latter, Karen Stackpole, plays pure drone
using acoustic instruments like gong and cello.
Dielectric Records Volume One is a very good sampler - all
of these pieces should appeal to enthusiasts of daring, experimental
electronic and acoustic music. With a roster like this,
Dielectric Records is looking like a very promising new label.
87%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 16 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
