HyperEx Machina Ambient Live 2K3 (Notting Hill) DCDR / 15 Tracks /147.19 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Atomsphere')

We start with a very effective track 'NotCage'. A nice little melody stands in isolation echoing into the distance. A slightly overdriven bass twang comes to join it followed by lovely electronic shimmers. Soft drones take us into 'Dec Inc'. It's a rather relaxing piece with something of a symphonic feel. Percussive piano acts as a bridge to 'I am HyperEx Machina'. The tranquillity from before is still here but there is a slightly edgier feel. A melodic guitar loop strikes up along with wispy unintelligible chatter, pads swelling underneath. The baton is now passed from HyperEx to 4m33s as we float into 'Atmosphere'. A tinkling little loop is the main focus throughout the track though there is constant shift to the backing sounds. It all becomes quite hypnotic actually. For the next 5 tracks we alternate between HyperEx and 4m33s so the baton is handed back for 'Divine Flow with Cold Joy'. The pace quickens as a chugging sequence nestles in the middle of the mix. At about the half way mark we get a passage of carefree drift before a squelchy rhythm takes us closer to the end. On 'The Ritual Part 4', fizzing high register drones give way to a really big church organ sound which eventually fades back to atmospherics. At first all is quite calm and relaxed but tension builds with a hissing sound, sonic rumbles and whooshes then metallic percussion, all going together to give things a rather uneasy feel. Quite out of the blue, with just over a minute to go, in comes a quite delightful melodic loop. A lovely way to finish. 'Dark Ages' is all rather moody with a repeated slow four note motif providing some structure over which a rhythm bounces, the motif developing into a more substantial melody as we go. 'Neuronium' must surely have been inspired by the group as there are a couple of very familiar melodies in there that I really should be able to identify but just don't have time to blow the dust off my old vinyl. I am sure they are fairly early though. 4m33s have put it all together very nicely. The next three tracks are both by HyperEx Machine 'Lest we Forget' is a very pleasant track with a hint of melancholy. The lead line uses a curious sound, sort of half way between keyboard and guitar. A shuffling rhythm picks up the pace nicely. '4 Seasonings extract (vl Herbs)' is a syncopated track with a real mean edge. Quite a groove is developed- just wish it could have gone on for longer. Muffled explosions get 'Hyper 13' underway, then throbbing electronic machine type noises and sonic twangs. An excellent lead and very quirky rhythm certainly gives it oomph. It's all rather fun actually- something I don't usually associate with HyperEx Machina (sorry!). 4m33s finish the first CD with 'Cloud Formation'. A slow steady bass drum provides the base for a high hat line then deep rumbles and other loops. A high register sequence also joins in the party. It's all rather melodic actually. Lead lines become more prominent as we progress, as does sampled text. To me, some of these samples grated a little and seemed out of context (this most certainly isn't 'avant-garde' for instance). However this CD is by far the most accessible of any disc I have heard by either of these acts before.

The second disc is labelled as a Bonus Album and as that I suppose it is OK, especially when the double is priced at a single album price but I did find it a much more challenging listening experience. Things start excellently with 'Fanfare' by HyperEx Machina. A very appealing melodic flourish issues forth then a rapid rotor blade type sequence comes to join it. Before we know it the five-minute duration is up. 'The Afternoon (after the night before)' combines both bands and begins with a rather urgent sequence, though it is quite low in the mix. Things then speed up, slow down and morph in various ways but it didn't really do enough to keep my attention for its over fifty minute duration. The final track is a different version of 'Atmosphere', this time by Hyper4m33s. It's OK I suppose but I still prefer the version from the first disc. (DL)

This page is part of a frame set. If you can't see the information strip to the left of the screen then click on the smd logo above.