Escape
Mechanism
Self-titled CD
Self-released
Genres: sound collage, plunderphonics
Escape Mechanism
3010 Hennepin Ave. S. #145
Minneapolis MN
55408
Feb 28 - Mar 6 2005 |
Escape Mechanism is the work of Jonathan Nelson, a
member of the detritus.net group of culture jammers and sound
collagists. This self-titled release features eighteen works of
his, comprised of 100% recycled sound. There are old news
broadcasts, field recordings, and thrift store record samples all
thrown in, mixed and manipulated to create solid, thoroughly
entertaining compositions. While not as overt and witty as some
of the genre's veterans (Negativland, Evolution Control Committee,
People Like Us), Nelson uses an abstract, sparse style that
allows his pieces to slowly establish themselves - sometimes this
takes the form of atmospheric, drawn-out compositions ("Human
Knowledge," "Paranoid"), while at other times the music
makes use of a firm beat and groove, ala some Bran Flakes and Steinski
material ("Digital Occasion," "Why Does the Light
Fall?"). The most successful songs are "Being"
and "Draining," which establish strong themes
(existentialism and childhood innocence, respectively) and tackle them
with a sense of fun and catchiness.
All in all, this is a strong plunderphonics release from Jonathan
Nelson. While not as blatantly accessible as a Bran
Flakes record, this album fits the bill as a memorable audio
collage CD geared mostly towards those already acquainted with the
scene.
85%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
18 tracks, distributed by the
artist, released 1998] |