Rephlex is an electronic label most regarded for bringing us with the
likes
of Aphex Twin, Baby Ford, Cylob, Bogdan Raczynski, DMX Krew and earlier
Mu-ziq have recently taken to releasing records by more academically
minded
modern composers. In the last few months Rephlex has quietly released
cds by
Robert Normandeau, Peter Green and now Pierre Bastien.
Mecanoid isn’t what you’re used to when it comes to “serious” music.
For
this release, Bastien created a number of small robots from the Meccano
constructions set – an alternative to Legos or Erector sets- that play
regular musical instruments (in this case, they range from drums or
pianos
to a godje, bull roar, raspa, bendir or tama) in a repetitive fashion.
All
of the titles to the songs are palindromes, and for Bastien, “[they]
reflect
the ways these little machines function. This is how Meccano machines can
produce hypnotic drive and groovy music. Additional sounds can be
difficult
to include afterwards, without destroying the particular swing created
by
these little robots!”
The 10 tracks on the CD win lots of points for playfulness and whimsy.
“Deep Speed” has a little chattering orchestra, bloopy casiotone, and a
sweet little trumpet solo, while “Gnu Long” is clattering, and
percussive,
with a sanza melody that’s more suited for warmer climes than New York
City
Decembers. Although made with “real” instruments, this CD is very
recommended to Rephlex, Morr Music and IDM fans in general. There’s more
than enough rhythmic and melodic complexity to satisfy the most jaded of
fans, and enough warmth to soften their hearts.
Review by Nirav Soni.
