(07.27.06) Solenoid (a.k.a. David Chandler) has released
perculiar forms electronic experimentation since 1997 with appearances on several compilations. His sound has always been quite electro driven,
having a quirky computer music feel tagged to its analog style.
The Portland-based artist has released three
full-length albums, but all on relatively small labels including Outward Music, Emanate and Hiao Hiao Hiao (what ever happened to them?). Despite this, Solenoid has
always been a favorite on compilations having tracks on Various Artists
releases for imprints such as Neo Ouija, Device, Zod and even Orac for that matter. It is from
these random tracks that Solenoid has developed a fan base, but it has been an
unstable platform to say the least. It is not because Solenoid’s albums
were not of merit; on the contrary. It is because the labels on which
Solenoid put out his albums were small independent imprints with limited print numbers that few people had the opportunity to delve into. All of this may change with his signing to Orac, a label dedicated to releasing substantial quantities of its releases all across the globe. Solenoid’s latest for Seattle’s Orac is his fourth album entitled Supernature. How does Solenoid’s latest expedition fair up?
Chandler has pulled out some of his old toys from storage on Supernature;
once again, the synthy, analog sound associated with Solenoid is a key
component. But a new element is introduced in this LP, the acid touch of a
vintage 303. Solenoid’s choice to revert back to the classic 303 sound is an
interesting one, a choice that reflects well on the album. The opening
track, “Drack Soul,” employs a tweaking acid synth line in its melody with
elements of modern electronic sound. Track two, “Blowatcher” continues down
the dirty electro track started by “Drack Soul.” Once more, 303 squelching
and sharp drums are the main components of the track, but “Blowatcher” has a
more dancefloor and sinister synth line than “Drack Soul” which makes for a
pretty wicked effort.
“Acid Mule” starts up the album again after the breaker tracks of “Spitbugs”
and “Wixwaxia II.” “Acid Mule” has a nice electro-nica feel to it, taking
elements from both the early acid electro scene and blending them with a modern glitchy electronic feel. The track does have some fabulous interior tweaking
that keeps the listener’s interest but by no means blows them away. The LP
lulls with “Protein / Lemauria,” but picks up with the chirpy Senor Coconut
influenced “July’s War Butterflies.” “ThighHigh,” featuring Freaky Chakra on
additional drums, is a foreboding and energizing electro bass number with
some fine 303 play. Solenoid’s fourth album finishes up with “The
Archivist;” it’s a track with a strong background synth, but Chandler
keeps it under raps with a droning counter-line that soon develops into
glitch and noise.
Supernature is a good album, but once again fails to fully impress. Having released enjoyable albums in the past, Solenoid’s latest doesn’t quite break any new ground, although it isn’t always a mandate to do so. It’s interesting, however, to see what Chandler can do with a TB 303, as he is an accomplished musician without question.
Supernature is out now on Orac.
