Tracers
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Vidna Obmana & David Lee Myers Tracers |
Though he has an extensive body of solo recordings, vidnaObmana seems to thrive when using others' musical ideas as a springboard for his own. David Lee Myers recorded his parts in New York City, vidnaObmana at his studio in Belgium. The end result is a raw, edgy work that is mostly devoid of beats and melody. Buzzes and bleeps blend with dark murkiness on these eight tracks.
The first is remarkably similar to the main synthesizer sounds in Laurie Anderson's 'Langue D'amour' from her Mister Heartbreak CD in the eighties, except for one buzzing sound that is a bit distracting in the mix. 'Sector 02' is better, as the static-like buzz drops out instantly, leaving only drones and very sci-fi sounds behind. The disc is comparable to similar abstract pieces from The Circular Ruins or Vir Unis (like his Symbology CD).
The music sounds very synthetic, but there is also an organic quality to it. I suspect that Myers makes the more buzzy and glitchy sounds, and that vidnaObmana contributes the dark textures and atmospheres that give the cold electronics life. 'Sector 03' has distorted voices in the mix, a melting pot of sounds that works if you don't mind delving into the experimental side of things. With no sequencing to be heard, this isn't for the typical SMD fan, but it rewards the daring listener. 'Sector 04' has a metallic ringing sound that loops through some watery samples and other synth textures. In 'Sector 05' the drones are deeper and fuller, eerie choir-like sounds fill the air, and in general this one is just louder, darker, and more intense. The final two tracks have vidnaObmana playing one of his trademark instruments, the small fujara if I'm not mistaken. The music comes full circle in the final two minutes as a sort of reprise of 'Sector 01' is blended in at the finish. (PD)
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