Uncategorized

Anata Wa Sukkari Tsukarete Shimai – The Lost Charles Underscore (2013) review

October 8, 2013

Anata Wa Sukkari Tsukarete Shimai – The Lost Charles Underscore (2013) review

               
Anata Wa Sukkari Tsukarete Shimai “The Lost
Charles Underscore” (Bearsuit, 2013)
               This enigmatic international file-sharing trio
from England, Scotland, and Japan have several EPs and split-LPs in their
discography, but this is their first full-length. And in keeping with their
secretive tradition, only the Brits are involved this time. Their Japanese
partner (like Prince in his wackier days, he goes by the keyboard symbol, _,
and is referenced in the album title, although who “Charles” is remains a
mystery) seems to have fallen off the face of the earth, so the album was
created by remaining members Gnomefoam and Bunny.
               
               Our trip begins with whispered voices
pondering the musical question, “Are You Ready” then proceeds to kick out the
jams with a ferocious guitar blast before fading out on the back of children’s
voices. “Drink It Up” introduces the duo’s modus operandi of distorted,
overmodulated voices punctuated by glitchy electronics and syncopated sound
effects combining to create a punky hip-hoppin’ atmosphere. Nine Inch Nails and
Ministry are familiar reference points, with the former’s horror house of
terror industrial metallic shwooosh intertwined with the latter’s freaky danse
macabe backing.
             
               “Thread
Wire” is an eerie tribute to Carl Stalling’s cacophonous “Bugs Bunny”
soundtracks, but like much of their sonic poems here, it veers off course
halfway through for a calm moment of reflection before resuming its sonic
assault on the senses. And the poetically-titled “hit single”, “I Can Make
Footprints With My Eyes” might just get the punters out on the dance floor in
between fisticuffs! At the other end of the spectrum, “Eyelashes” has an
out-of-character dreamy quality to it that almost sounds like it was meant for
a different album. But I like it – it gives us a chance to catch our collective
breaths and recover from the musical sucker punch that preceded it! Of course,
this being AWSTS, you know they’ll find a way to drop some glitch syncopation
into the mix before they finish!
               You may not find yourself digging this album
out too often to listen all the way through – it’s an hour of your life that
requires your undivided attention to fully appreciate all the nuances and
kitchen-sink aesthetic in action  –
there’s a LOT being thrown at you all at once – and it is definitely not
background music for cleaning the flat. But repeat listens will reveal a sonic
intelligence at work (and play) here that would work wonderfully in a cinematic
setting. These guys need to get involved in film music to share their
concoctions with a greater audience. Rob Zombie, Danny Boyle, Quentin
Tarrentino, Tim Burton… have I got a band for you to compose your next
soundtrack!
Review made by Jeff Penczak/2013
© Copyright
http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2013
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *