Mind-bending and engaging minimalist soundtracks captured in eleven sonic miniatures.
Exquisitely flowing soundscapes on a microscale
For his most recent release on Audiobulb, Mental Cassette, Neuro… No Neuro was “reaching back to childhood,” according to the liner notes. Sustaining the notion that “the sound of cassette brings forth moments in time long-forgotten,” the line “utilizing melody to help remember, Mental Cassette gently cups dissolving memories; fragmented recall set out on softly unfolding cassette tape reels,” sums up appropriately where the new album is headed. These notes encapsulate the path that takes place when Tucson, Arizona-based Kirk Markarian crafts distinctive lullaby clicks’n cuts, glitches, and micro-percussion to enhance these recordings—just have a listen to the opening track, “Afternoon Clouds” to get the idea.
As Mental Cassette progresses, we can see and feel more moving segments come to life, right in front of our ears—from the subdued bells and echoes of “Coaches” to the gentle rhythm and tones of “Story Time.” Here’s where Neuro… No Neuro gets his footing; beneath the quiet, blip-heavy, and saccharine soundscapes of “Lunch Boxes” to the nostalgic, static-filled “Playground Slides,” Markarian creates exquisitely flowing soundscapes on a microscale.
The album closes with a benchmark remix titled “My Words Come Out In Different Ways – Subgenius Remix,” which features Autistici’s support. Tiny kaleidoscopic noises and disjointed samples merge with psychedelic ambient pulsars and quivering melodic fibers, creating a surreal dream that is filmed in real time. In summary, Mental Cassette features mind-bending and engaging minimalist soundtracks captured in eleven sonic miniatures.
Mental Cassette is available on Audiobulb. {Bandcamp | Site]
