vcam :: apendula (Point Source Electronic Arts)

James Long’s flexible and creative sound-scrapes have become a benchmark within IDM’s expansive realm of abstract musical—and non-musical—explorations.

Intricate electrical fragments

James Long’s flexible and creative sound-scrapes have become a benchmark within IDM’s expansive realm of abstract musical—and non-musical—explorations. It is within these intricate electrical fragments and shifting pseudo-industrial/technoid glitch’n bleep landscapes that Long’s vcam project has been able to evolve and redefine itself over two decades after his beginnings with n5MD—and now launching a full-length album with the quintessential electronic music record label, media arts service, and creative community that is Point Source Electronic Arts.

From the crackling, fizzing clatter of the opening track “Pendula Drane” to the broken Autechrean minefields of “Cetvrs Burst,” to the rhythmic intricacies of “Pelegon6,” what stands out on apendula is its enigmatic flow of ideas, layered in hundreds of interconnected strands. “soln” and “pirism” are also prime examples of vcam’s expert melodic extractions, seamlessly blending introspective rhythms with chaotic, molten flows. Quite simply, apendula carves brittle electronics with textured tones that don’t let up.

Recognized as recorded performances without the constraints of pre-programming, apendula (Incunabula, anyone?) culminates in its closing symphony, “Aflight”—a delicately woven classical composition that elegantly balances the album’s otherwise crunchy, abrasive outer texture. Surreal, arcane, indefinable, yet utterly essential listening.

apendula is available on Point Source Electronic Arts. [Bandcamp]