Do Not Multiply Models compiles onto one CD CiM’s critically acclaimed classic Service Pack EP (tracks 1-8) on Delsin, the sun-drenched Warm Data EP on deFocus (tracks 9-16) and “Ceramic,” originally released on the vinyl only Two You See deFocus 12″ sampler. As such, this is a re-issue but the majority of these tracks have never been available on CD, and with the wealth of classic electronica on display, it’s an unmissable one.
Partner Do Not Multiply Models with CiM’s other triumphant Reference LP on deFocus and you have a 38 track strong collection of some of the finest, melody-driven electronica you could hope to own.
The Service Pack EP is simply breathtaking; blueprint and benchmark for melodic electronica. From the subterranean gulping and neon-clad strings of “Friends I’ve Made” to the computer-controlled squelchtronica of “RN.a” so reminiscent of B12 in their glory days. From the staccato’d industrial pistons and machinery of “Mobile Unit Downtime” to the light and delicate “Recursive,” the Service Pack EP assimilates, re-fashions and re-brands all manner of electronic styles with CiM’s trademark retro-sci-fi sound.
“Shift” is simply aural perfection. Not for nothing has this piece of music been released on Delsin, Toytronic, deFocus and now Ann Aimee. It’s probably one of the finest slices of electronica ever recorded with such gorgeous production and universal appeal that I don’t think there’s a single person I know who hasn’t loved it from the first moment they’ve heard it.
The unerring, flooding drone that is the core of the piece is one of those that has been painstakingly assembled to literally drench the room in sound and atmosphere. Add to this the chattering percussion, distant strings, waves of squelchy, analogue bass and pizzicato top notes and the whole creates a depth of field rarely heard in electronic music.
The magical “Asial Fill” provides the closing moments of the Service Pack EP. Awash with Vangelis-esque synths and choral pads, the beautiful moment spent listening to this, so evocative of Blade Runner as it is, is heart stopping and all too fleeting.
The Warm Data EP is less mysterious and evocative than it’s predecessor, sharing more stylistically with “Reference” – the album release it originally preceeded on the deFocus label. Instead it is possessed of a more mechanical, contemporary style whilst simultaneously featuring many retro sounds and 8-bit stylings.
It’s also an incredibly aptly named EP. Tracks like “Cable Car,” “File Server” and Do Not Multiply Models make it abundantly clear that some considerable time has been taken to carefully blend layers of warm, richly atmospheric strings, synths and reverb effects with clipped, rigidly structured electronic percussion such that one does not overpower the other. The effective confluence of these two elements forms the pervasive theme and unique sound of the EP as human warmth is elegantly swirled together with electronic debris.
It’s a pity the wonderful “Commuter Love” wasn’t included on this collection. Although that track has been released on CD before (the excellent Do You See deFocus compilation) it would have made a far more compatible extra than “Ceramic,” the final track on the CD.
True to form, Ann Aimee have packaged this album beautifully in a glossy digipak sporting yet another bizarre 3D>2D piece from Delta. This time it’s an installation, with the titles and track listing appearing amongst more of his hand-drawn block-graffiti that has been printed onto paper, cut out, stuck onto what appears to be either a photocopier or a printer and photographed for the sleeve. Gorgeous.
Strengthening the otherworldly, mythical and mysterious nature of the Ann Aimee label, this magnificent collection rests quietly among its other releases as a fascinating historical document of the electronic music scene.
Do Not Multiple Models is available through Warpmart, directly from the distributor Nomorewords.net and sound samples are available for each track from the Ann Aimee website. (Note: Sample #8 on the website is still incorrectly playing “Geosat Fill” instead of “Asial Fill.”)
As an interesting side-note, CiM’s own website, www.warmdata.net, has just released a fully re-mastered and extended version of “Hitachi” from the Warm Data EP. The difference is startling, the re-mastering breathing new life and atmospheric depth into the track. It’s well worth the diminutive download.
Do Not Multiply Models is OUT NOW on Ann Aimee Records.
