(06.13.05) I was sitting at my computer wondering if my Tuesday khakis were in a bunch
because I’d walked the city streets with Ra’s Raoul Loves You garishly
pulsing out of my headphones for weeks and I couldn’t classify specifically
what it was about this music that made me uneasy. Then, in a slightly
fevered dream in which I thought I had popped in a Minidisc of chill-out
greats only to be yanked from my sleep by the piercing squelched-out tones
of “Violent Badger” did I realize this is the music that exists outside the
unknown boundaries of my peripheral perception. It’s this claustrophobic
unknown that gives me cautious pause before giving the harsh grinding pink
noise of “Human Saw Tool” and the eerily accurate drill buzzing with the
smell of tobacco and hair grease in “The Dentist” a complete listen. Still,
this is perfect music for staring at the chaotic patterns in my linoleum
until faces start to form, then I know it’s time to stop listening before I
hurt my brain. The only respite for the faint-hearted on this album is the
low-profile piano and drum track “Leak” that would fit rather nicely on that
aforementioned chill-out MD, the rest I recommend for anyone whose
curiosities are sparked by the distinct visual language of Raoul Sinier’s
art jointly showcased on the album packaging and his competently designed
website, www.raspage.com.
Raoul Loves You is out now on Coredump.
