Michael Renkel, who plays electric guitar, FX processors and laptop on this release, creates spatial and varied sound worlds, summoned in ways that you would never suspect started from a guitar. As Renkel explains about the processes he uses:
In this piece the guitar is not treated as a traditional instrument but as a kind of 'nondirectional loop antenna' transmitting the spatial sound to an effects processor which alienates, boosts and distorts the filtered parameters. On a second layer the musical signal is sent to two notebooks, also the guitar is now being played in a percussive way and with an e-bow, by microphone additional music material comes into play: wood blocks, stones, harmonica, metal objects, ruptured paper, etc. The musical signals are held in a constant state of flux, constant motion and alienation as all elements (guitar, FX, mike, notebook 1+2, mixing desk) can be connected / correlated simultaneously or alternatively.
The results are a large and dynamic sound journey, presenting a sound palette of great colors and textures. The quality of sound and the varying presentation are rich and detailed, beautifully recorded and often startling and distracting. The piece is organized as a series of dovetailed movements between rhythmic or tonal sections, each drawing attention in a leading sound or environmental quality. It's coherent and interesting, sometimes lush and sometimes creepy, but always interesting and unusual, an amazing display of the guitar's (and the guitarist's) unexpected qualities.
Special note on the packaging is worth mentioning - unlike the other 7" packaging that Absinthe has used, this release is presented in a large folded thick paper with a CD nipple to hold the CD, all held in a vinyl sleeve. The paper has a sort of vinyl silkscreen that gives it a rubbery feeling. Label owner Marcus Liebig says that this is the first release that he's had no hand in the construction of, and it's definitely a unique item in the label's catalog.
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