Robert
Poss
"Distortion Is Truth" CD
Trace Elements
Records
Genres: experimental, avant-garde, guitar
Trace Elements
172 East 4th St.
Suite 11D
New York, NY 10009
Feb 10 - 16 2003 |
Robert
Poss is no stranger to the guitar. He's been playing the
instrument for years now, not only in a solo setting but also with the
legendary Rhys Chatham and as a founding member of Band of
Susans. His back catalogue is extensive, having been
involved with more recordings than one would care to name. Distortion
is Truth is one of two releases that came out in 2002 (Crossing
Casco Bay is the other), and it marks a very experimental outing
for Poss.
On the CD's 16 tracks, we're treated to a whole panoply of sounds; Poss's
multi-genre background really comes through in the music. The
songs run the gamut from fast, punk-esque material to twangy
instrumentals to startling avant-garde pieces. "Brakhage,"
for example, is a short exercise in ambient guitars and experimental
sound. It has a very comforting feel to it. The piece
after it, "Radio Free Albemuth Revisited," is then a bleepy,
spasmodic track with an eerie atmosphere. Then, on the other end
of the spectrum, there's "You Were Relentless," a powerful,
punk-influenced track with strong vocals, energetic guitars, and
pounding drums.
Also nice is "Improvised Duo," a track recorded live with
Tom Kelley. It's a sonic burst of raw energy with a
really nice sound to it. "Where Do Things Stand" also
carries this energy, but is slightly more accessible.
Altogether, Distortion Is Truth is a very satisfying guitar
record that really shows how much can be done with the
instrument. This will appeal not only to fans of Poss
himself, but also to fans of the guitar itself.
Recommended.
85%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
16 songs, distributed by the
label, released 2002] |