xdementiaPost subject: Mincemeat or Tenspeed – All Critters LP
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:43 amMincemeat or Tenspeed – All Critters LP
Deathbomb Arc: http://deathbombarc.com/
Audio: Root Turs
Overall Rating: A-
Composition: A-
Sounds: B+
Production Quality: B+
Concept: A-
Packaging: B+
Mincemeat or Tenspeed isn't really noise. The sound is loud, it is distorted, it is, even in some places aggressive (see the opening track “End Time”). But the most interesting thing about All Critters is the strange moments that Mincemeat or Tenspeed explore, the genres that aren't noise, but are quite unique in this context. I should mention it's very confusing what tracks are which here as there seem to be no A or B sides listed anywhere.
These tracks could almost be some kind of psychedelic power electronics except for the more “friendly” moments that bleed through. The first being in the title track“All Critters” which reminds me of a more inaccessible and minimalist Dan Deacon without the beats. This is really the only time where that analogy shines through though, because of the melody used.
The opener “End Time” kicks in with some experimental wankery before alternating to a beautiful blast of chugging noise. Once “Accident Prone” hits the sound eventually becomes so distorted and overblown that it begins to thin on it's one creating these strange resonances that in some weird way remind me of an Indonesian folk tune! I shit you not. Put away the acoustic guitars and shut the fuck up, this is the folk music of our generation. Emotional, energetic, and authentic.
On the B side things are just a little harsher with the chugging rhythms of “Root Turs.” The sound here is quite minimalist but it's also heavy, washed with distortion and chugs along without remorse. The most admirable aspect of these tracks is the exemplary method with which they morph into beasts that are completely unforseen from a listener's perspective. The sound is always changing, being abused and bastardized into another tortured circuit. There's an obvious charm that seems to be hinted, an accessibility that, according to the promo sheet was the ultimate goal here, but that is almost completely lost within the methodology in the creation of these tracks through the use of no traditional instruments whatsoever. I imagine it's quite an absurd and awkward place to be, wanting to create very accessible music, but ending up making some pretty abusive noise.
When it comes down to it, this is some really original stuff given the stylistic approach and method of creation to come to this strange amalgamation that is All Critters. Mincemeat and Tenspeed is certainly turning my interest back into more lighthearted noise and experimental music and showing me that it can be done with taste and intent. Not to mention the colorful silk screened sleeve All Critters is housed in is a beautiful piece of work in itself. Great release and if you are at all a fan of experimental noise, or Dan Deacon-style minimalism I would check this out.
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