(11.18.07) The elusive Gescom project has resurfaced with its first new material in four years. A1-D1 is a six track mini-album available on CD, and in two parts as A1-B1 and C1-D1 on 12″ vinyl. As has been a factor in the past, there is much attention placed on exactly who produced the music. Naturally, there are no accreditation’s, with only Booth and Brown’s participation presumed.
A1-D1 is an extremely intense, convoluted and dense listen, however it inexplicably retains a distinctive stench of old-school. This is due to the unexpected assortment of samples exploited within the tracks. The blend of abstract and more conventional sounds is generally used to good effect.
The standout tracks are “A1” and “C1.” The former is based around an insanely catchy fast-edit arrangement, which chops up and deteriorates accordingly. The latter contains an achingly beautiful melody, which is progressively concealed within a coating of complex beats and layers.
“A2” is a magnificent acid track which is easily the most straight-forward and conventional track on the mini-album. “B1” is a strong track which uses various samples accompanied by elaborate beat manipulation. “C2” is an electro-acoustic piece which sounds suspiciously as if previously acknowledged contributor Russell Haswell got in on the action. The last minute or so of this track, it is worth noting, is a snarled joy. The immense “D1” is a nine minute long mash up of Adonis’ classic acid track “No Way Back.” As awesome as the rehash is, there is a feeling that sampling should not become the focal point as it is here, as Gescom is capable of much more, which it proves with the other sample-heavy tracks on the record.
In hindsight, the style of Gescom’s releases has often provided a glimpse of what is in store for the subsequent Autechre release. This notion corroborates with the similarities between Gescom’s EP ISS:SA and Autechre’s album Draft 7.30 in 2003 and to a lesser degree Gescom’s Key Nell EP and parts of Autechre’s Chiastic Slide in 1996 and 1997 respectively. If A1-D1 is indeed a taster for Autechre’s next release, it seems Booth and Brown should prepare for a mixed reception comparable to what 2005’s Untilted received. Zealous Gescom and Autechre fans will undoubtedly lap this up and hesitant followers will gradually comprehend its intricate allure, however this is probably not a great starting point for those new to the enigmatic project. If you haven’t already, check out Key Nell, ISS:SA and The Sounds of Machines Our Parents Used before you approach this.
A1-D1 is out now on Skam. [Purchase
