Review of Between Two Points [12k1012]

XLR8R (US)

Representing forthcoming works in the minimal microsound genre, this compilation assembles current and future label artists on Taylor Deupree’s 12k label on a release that brings to the forefront an aesthetic of miniature blips and beeps, scratches and other background noise. The first cd features tracks from Deupree, Kim Cascone, Noto, Dan Abrams, and others. Certain tracks have hints of more traditional song structures; Mikael Stavöstrand’s “+” toys with techno elements and Komet’s “Lag” has a dubby feel only vaguely reminiscent of Pole. Others, like Goem’s “Comp Tien,” further deconstruct apparent rhyhms and make no pretense about their experimental nature. the second cd highlights 12k subsidiary Line records, which focuses on “new, digital, conceptual, ultra-minimalist sound and the relationship between sound, silence and the art of listening.” With selections from Roel Meelkop, Bernhard Günter, Immedia, *0 and others, this modern updating of the industrial genre prods for responses to small audio stimuli, a bit like listening to test tones as if they were music. Still, wonder can be found in themost mundane, minute spaces, can’t it? – de nada

View Release