(09.22.06) Notochord is one of the latest independent electronic labels to come from
America. The label’s name, Notochord, is a term used in embryonic
development; the name is synonymous with the label’s outlook, that music can
stimulate and educate mankind on a developmental level. The label’s press
release is a neurological assault, claiming that music has the ability to
tap directly into our brain’s neutrons. A press release that propounds so
much pseudo jargon is never a good start. Has the first release on this
infant imprint managed to live up to the label’s psychological leanings
(if they can be called that), or has the music succeeded in escaping from
the sonic endorphins and other aural chemical secretions that the label
espouses?
This compilation release showcases some of the international talent that
the fledgling Notochord has to offer, artists such as Autoclav1.1 (UK), Blue
T-Shirt (CA), Semiomime (NL), Slacknote (NL), Stephen James Knight (USA),
Sunao Inami (JP) and Wisp (US). Thankfully, the inept psycho babble and high
school biology press release does not reflect the music. This is a well
constructed, multi-layered compilation, fortunately evading the carnival
ideals of sound and stimuli promulgated in the press piece.
The compilation opens well with Slacknote and “Huge Wooden Radio,” a beat
driven track with some clever turns and samples. Semiomime, from the
Netherlands, offers up a laid back, down-beat number for the second track.
The third track, “To Draw Something Beautiful” by Wisp, begins as an
elegant, soft chord piece that descends into Jega like snare roles and
cracked up drum machine slides whilst an up beat computer music melody
prowls the backdrop. A very happy, summery piece – a wonderful track.
Stephen James Knight next throws his hat into the compilation ring with the
wonderful “Somber Grey.” The track drones into being, slowly crawling
forward over computer glitch and bleeps until a crunch crescendo drops in. A
beautiful work. The album lulls a tad with Sunao Inami and the quite
uninteresting “Angle,” but picks up again with Wisp and “A Forward
Collapse.” Autoclav1.1 enters the compilation with quivering distorted
melody covered in sheets of snare and crunch. The interestingly titled Blue
T-Shirt shuffles in next with a laid back bass piece which morphs as
soothing synthlines dawn to make for a wonderfully light and uplifting
track. Track nine, “Skulls” by Slacknote, is an aggressive lullaby, as sharp
drumbeats tear and rip through an awesome analog melody whilst soulful keys
drop as they please. Sunao Inami once more delivers computer noise before Autoclav1.1 re-emerges with “Meet Me Half Way
(Liar’s Rosebush Remix),” a beat laden arcade influenced number with some
excellent synth play. Just before the album’s end, Semiomime gives the
listener “Grasshopper.” A late contender for anybody’s favourite track of
the compilation, “Grasshopper” is a delectable analog work with a warm,
flowing melody, resonating beats interspliced with subtle clicks. The track
truly comes to life as Semiomime masterfully slides and distorts the piece,
contorting and shifting the track with perfect precision before bringing it
back to a light relaxed simmer. Great track. Blue T-Shirt washes the palette
clean with the gentle rays of “Thunderstorm,” leaving a pleasant aftertaste
to this album.
This is a creditable compilation of able artists and solid tracks. Some of
the pieces do lack something, but overall it is a well produced first outing;
even if the label’s neuro metaphysical concepts do seem a little half-baked
to say the least. This is clever electronica, with some interesting twists
and turns to keep the listener intrigued. Thankfully, Notochord’s debut
release escaped its mantra of cognitive transformation and mental
metamorphoses leaving behind some very good pieces of electronic music.
Simply put, this is an impressive compilation of new artists, some of which
this reviewer will be looking out for in the future.
Noto-01 is out now on Notochord.
