The Thomas Family :: Dub Variations (Crow versus Crow Editions)

Elegantly merged, the synthetic and organic sound worlds become a city symphonic.

Close collaborators Daniel Thomas and David Thomas are always careful to mention that they are not related. With the debut recording by The Thomas Family, they finally capitulate, tongues firmly planted in cheek. Combining modular synth sketches by David with field recordings made by Daniel in Hong Kong, Dub Variations expands upon an already impressive body of unheimlich ambient work (see here and here, for a basic tasting menu), reeking more of wet concrete than flavored incense. Elegantly merged, the synthetic and organic sound worlds become a city symphonic.

Three extended, Roman-numeralled pieces create character in non-places, a soundtrack of the urban homeless man´s natural habitat. A bell-like reverberation and echoing birdsong lend a sort of sanctity to the second track, but as it proceeds it also disorients, as if the DTs were kicking in and voices, perhaps perfectly innocent and conciliatory, sound like bad dreams.

“III” seems to me the true “dub variation,” with its tender beat turning tribal and then internally combusting, quiet synth bleats growing into thunderous saxophone blasts, all penetrating beautifully sculpted air.

Dub Variations is available on Crow versus Crow Editions.