 |
||
|
08/01/2002 Lumpen,
Chicago
The inaugural releases on CJ Mitchell's False Walls imprint, Tiny Hairs' Subtle Invisible Bodies and ep98 by Ribbon Effect, nicely represent why Chicago is at the vanguard of experimental music. Both groups build upon rigorous improvisation and incorporate various electronic components, but the comparisons, for the most part, end there. Tiny Hairs, making its full length debut with ...Bodies, is a six man crew of sonic sculptors who specialize in hypnotic, droning instrumentals that recalls the cinematic sweep of Godspeed You Black Emperor! and the jazzy crawl of Tortoise. The LP offers seven studio cuts, including the insectoid "Carcasses of Bees" and the static glitchiness of "A Ghost Torn and Rolled Between the Fingers." Track #8, "Extensive and Well Catalogued Collection of Aspirated Objects," was recorded last summer at the improv-friendly Nervous Center. Ribbon Effect has been around slightly longer than Tiny Hairs (since 1998, to be exact), and made its debut last year with Slip (on the Roomtone label). Magnet magazine compared the album to the "shape shifting of (minimalist composer) Steve Reich and the more contemplative Krautrock bands." High praise, and ep98 builds on the promise of Slip in new and exciting ways. The opening track, "The Building of the Ship," is a rhythmic marriage of guitar and accordian that recalls the late Love Tractor, while "Cast Away" is a pulsing soundscape that benefits from seriously skittery electronics. Both bands are welcome additions to the local musical landscape, and False Walls seems to be on its way to joining the ranks of Thrill Jockey and Some Odd Pilot as local labels to watch.
Please send any questions to fwalls@xsite.net or phone (773) 764-2789 |
|
|
 |
||
