(04.07.04) Circuitbreaking is PhD student Rich Oddie’s – aka Orphx – way of bringing the issue of economic globalization to the attention of the listening public without being overtly political in his method. Studying Environmental Sciences in Toronto, Oddie prefers to let the music speak for itself, utilizing samples from political speeches, protests and films on the subject in his music. Far from being political, Circuitbreaking is an impressive rhythmic noise meets techno album with rumbling tones, kicking beats and tense dark atmospheres running throughout. The CD version of the album additionally includes 5 link pieces titled “Circuit 1” through to “Circuit 5” that provide short segues between album tracks in stylistically different ways from glitch to high frequency minimalism. Circuitbreaking is smooth, well-conceived and rhythmic and does not force its message on you, letting you enjoy the well-crafted beats while you consider the content of the well-chosen samples. Take for example “Simulcra” and Simulcrum,” the first is bass-heavy, rhythmic and glitchy, while the latter has a more techno vibe but with bursts of experimental static and effects. “Critical Mass” on the other hand is a pounding rhythmic noise track with a techno flavor. Highly recommended.
Circuitbreaking is out now on Hymen.
- Hymen
- Orphx
