Review from Modern Dance #41 (October 2002).
VARIOUS. 'Trees Like Torches' : Electronic Musik
This is the second compilation
from the ever inventive EM label. Seven lengthy tracks of such
diverse and challenging electronic soundscapes that push the
barriers further.
The first track by Daniel Weaver, is called 'Hated
Nightfall'. It's a dark and menacing piece that builds
ever so slowly with something that can only be described as an
offbeat that is constantly awash with sfx. It's actually, at
times, quite soothing and relaxing.
John Kannenberg's 'Submersible'
commences with a drone, which eventually becomes engrossed and
argues with other drones until strange blips enwtine themselves
into the matrix.
Vivahead's 'Seduction' would, for me, have
benefited without that annoying voice sample which, after a few
times, gets right on the tits, that apart, it could have been a
great piece.
Eddie Prevost's 'Remembering III' is more or
less improv for cello and percussion - interesting for the single
fact that it isn't electronics as such, maybe eleven minutes is a
tad overlong for me.
JM Pinto's 'On:Off' is guitar improv this time,
sounding ever so Fred Frith. Never been too sure on guitar
improv, a guitar is a guitar is a guitar.
Walter Cianciusi's 'Sovraprosizione' is (and all
credit to EM) stretching the limits of what you'd class as
electronic musik! It's a trumpet improv with a variety of other
'classical' or jazz instruments such as bass, percussion, and
strings. This track wouldn't be out of place on the Emanem (the
label, not the artist) label.
Paul Burwell and LDT's (Ian Simpson) 'Angle
Repoise' is more what I like - electronic soundscapes
with percussion, hell, there's allsorts on here. This track seems
organic, natural and evolves beautifully. All in all an
interesting and hellishly diverse compilation. (Dw)