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from Exposé Magazine
written by Phil Derby
Various Artists - 360°
(The Foundry FOU.15, CD, 2002)
Always an interesting blend of ambience, samples, buzzes, and all things generally experimental, The Foundry label once again brings forth a cutting edge piece of music for those always wanting to push the envelope just a bit. Their CDs often defy easy categorization, and this one is no exception. Though it is often quirky and downright weird, amidst the noise there is a certain accessibility as well, though it's hard to pinpoint how it all gels into something that actually flows along quite well. Rhomb's "360° theme" has a slightly dissonant but compelling main sound that bulls its way in, commanding attention as it repeats itself with regularity and insistence. Next up is eM's "Reflective," a sublime minimal ambient piece, with lots of interesting subtle noises running through it. After that comes the first of six very brief pieces simply titled "Interpolation One," and two and three, etc. Each is a half minute bridging piece, the glue if you will that holds the disc into a unified whole. Another great title is "Viscous Space" by Jonathan Hughes. It's hard to describe the delicate structure and sounds in many of these pieces, but they all have something to recommend about them. Sometimes, like "Interpolation Two," the music seems merely glorified static, but most of the time, like on "Staars," there are discernible sounds and on rare occasions like this one, an actual melody. In fact, by comparison to the rest, "Staars" must be the pop single, a fun, effusive piece. I expect Laurie Anderson to start singing on this one, it reminds me of her music circa Mister Heartbreak. The most accessible track is followed by the quirkiest, "Shrine" by Mark Van Hoen and Seofon. Odd beats, clicking, static and samples are placed with a cool pulsing electronic sound that makes me immediately think of the classic, groundbreaking soundtrack to the old sci-fi film "Forbidden Planet." This is challenging and wonderful. The disc is notable for inclusion of a Kim Cascone track, he of Heavenly Music Corporation and Spice Barons fame. It fits right in with this experimental mold. Those who go in for something different should be well pleased with this one.
2002 (c) Phil Derby / Exposé Magazine