 Various
Artists
"Future Perfect: The Nature of Time" CD
Innova
Recordings
Genres: electronica, ambient, experimental
American Composers Forum
332 Minnesota St. E-145
St. Paul MN 55101
July 29 - Aug 6 2002 |
The
Nature of Time is an American Composers Forum-associated electronica
compilation that was commissioned for the Sonic Circuits International
Festival of Electronic Music and Art. While the lengthy name of the
festival may cause one to expect long, dull electro drones and
shameless experimental self-importance bouts, this is not the case. In
fact, not only are the songs fun and melodic, but there's a Simon
and Garfunkel cover thrown in there as well. SIMON AND
GARFUNKEL, FOLKS!
Altogether, the mixture of artists on this record (Future
Perfect appears to be the name of a sort of collective of people)
results in a wide variety of styles being represented. The
title-track, by A Most Happy Sound, is a dark, frightening
piece with a menacing beat and a great use of a ticking-clock sound
effect. Zaftig's three contributions feature spoken word
speeches layed over experimental percussives and strings - the best
one of which uses the cuckoo clock as a justification for the
existence of evil. Then, of course, there's Christian Erickson's very
effective cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer".
Combining robot-pop electronics, stray bleeps, a deep bass beat, and
modified vocals, it's a wonderful and tasteful cover version of the
unforgettable classic. As well, there are Giorgio Moroder
inspired ambient electronics from Alpha 61, playful turntable
antics from TS & Filmore Diggz, V/VM-inspired freak
electronics from The Radar Threat, smooth laidback beats from DJ
Drone, and bizarre cut-and-paste atmospherics from Podling.
All in all, The Nature of Time is a worthwhile electronica
compilation that may be too scattered for some, but refreshingly
eclectic for others.
85%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
65 min 54 sec; 11 tracks; distributed by Tower;
released 2002] |
