A lot of what I can also appreciate in this release is the spatial layering. Minotaur Shock employs a degree of ‘less is more’ as he allows movements to build, whilst simultaneously dismantling and pushing parts to other areas of the sonic field.
Interpreting a seamless flow on consciousness which is very much in the moment
Bristol producer David Edwards aka Minotaur Shock returns with his second self-release of 2021, Chaff Probes. As a sequel to his 2020 Saline Pulse Streams, Edwards develops on his process of live performance.
This 31-minute session takes it in its stride, combining a fair amount of physical modelling synthesis along with Ableton Live. Fellow producers will instinctively try to hear the transitions as we progress through each track, yet as Minotaur Shock notes, “…everything’s a remixing of whatever goes before it...” interpreting a seamless flow on consciousness which is very much in the moment.
What has kept me coming back to listening to this regularly is the sweet spot of organic and digital sound. The opening title track holds a percussive swing, that one can envision watching as a band performance in a low-key bar. There is a diversity within the nature of performance and elements that is pleasing for multiple genre listeners.
A lot of what I can also appreciate in this release is the spatial layering. Minotaur Shock employs a degree of ‘less is more‘ as he allows movements to build, whilst simultaneously dismantling and pushing parts to other areas of the sonic field. This in turn maintains a presence to each channel—excavating room for development within his compositions. Listen out for tracks such as “Tines on the Sines,” as we can hear previous forays combine to present something refreshing yet unifying throughout.
If you’re looking for something a little heavier on the electronics, get acquainted with Qi, which also came out earlier this year on Minotaur Shock’s Bandcamp.
Chaff Probes is available on Bandcamp.
