This is what Rian Treanor achieves on ATAXIA—tracks which are based on patterns that the listener can identify and remember, and yet which are never fully performed, as the angular sequencing of percussion, vocal samples and synths flows between steady rhythms and deliberate destructuration. ATAXIA is one of a kind, an album fully committed to its own original concept which is relentlessly and brilliantly executed by Rian Treanor. Don’t let it slip by you, as it is one of the most interesting and compelling records of the year so far.
There’s no other way to put this—ATAXIA is a very, very good album. There. If you haven’t heard it yet, go on Bandcamp, make sure you’ve got time, and put the record on.
While you do that, I’ll be here talking about why I think it is excellent. Come back if you’re interested.
As the album opens, it soon becomes clear that Rian Treanor is laser-focused on his artistic goal, and will not deviate from the line he set itself for the next nine tracks. The instrumentation is sparse and becomes more and more chaotic before being dialled down again—the interplay between kick, snare and percussive lead is deftly handed by the producer as the spoken word monologue of “ATAXIA_A1” unfolds mechanically, a disorienting mix of robotic delivery and childish recitation. Already the album announces itself , as the pattern for the speech soon emerges, but every new iteration of it produces a new reaction. And this is what Rian Treanor achieves on ATAXIA—tracks which are based on patterns that the listener can identify and remember, and yet which are never fully performed, as the angular sequencing of percussion, vocal samples and synths flows between steady rhythms and deliberate destructuration.
The sounds of this album are cold, hard-hitting and offer very even dynamics, which is part of the appeal. The drum samples are all apparently treated in the same way, each part of the kit becoming an equal piece of the jigsaw puzzle of the album. There are no lush pads or buttery filters here, but a carefully selected panel of sounds which contribute to the surgical, almost claustrophobic tone of ATAXIA.
While this album is by no means an easy listening experience, some tracks treat you with more care than others. “ATAXIA_B2” and “ATAXIA_D3” are both underpinned by a strong groove and vocal samples which allow us to connect with them more immediately. But even then, nothing is linear or easy—as “D3,” the last track on the album, oscillates between a voice saying “people understand people” and “people don’t understand’ people” with several variations on these simple sentences which all yield different interpretations. Ambiguous, precise and razor-sharp.
ATAXIA is one of a kind, an album fully committed to its own original concept which is relentlessly and brilliantly executed by Rian Treanor. Don’t let it slip by you, as it is one of the most interesting and compelling records of the year so far.
ATAXIA is available on Planet Mu.
