From fix8 Sent Tue, Jul 21st 1998, 19:45
From fix8 Sent Tue, Jul 21st 1998, 19:45
I recently had the pleasure of meeting, via the internet, Melbourne producer Adam Raisbeck. Adam has been producing for 5 years and is a friend of both Dave Thrussel (Snog, Black Lung) and Voiteck Anderson (TD5, Truck Music). In the course of our discussions Adam sent me a few mp3s and pointed me to where a few of his tracks would be available on the internet. Adam records under various monikers - each differing in style. I had the pleasure of hearing two of his 'Soulenoid' tracks - earlier work, as well as two 'Sense' tracks - (more ambient techno/minimalist) and two 'Whateverman' tracks - freaky drum stuff at times reminding me of both squarepusher and jega but still maintaining a distinctive feel and identity. Here is a review of a few of the tracks ive been lucky enough to hear. .Sense - Interlude 9:39 This track begins with slow and ominous percussion created out of echoing beats and hissing 'squelches'. A layer of sound reminiscent of distant rain is then added as the percussion gradually builds. After some time the broken beats begin in earnest thumping out a moving pattern that is soon joined by a bassline and subtly shifting ambient backing. The track continues to build with 'claps' entering into the mix around the 4.00 minute mark in beginning in a linear fashion they soon shift with the flow of the track creating more variety. The addition of a higher pitched melody at 5.30 'makes' this track. All of the other elements coalesce in the presence of this outstanding melody (which at times reminds me of a hybrid of early aphex(saw1/ab) and u-ziq but is original as well, more mature/subtle than u-zig and more up-beat than afx) the bass and percussion are drawn along in its wake as new elements are layered in and out. This track is beautiful. It reminds me of the first time I heard artificial intelligence style tracks and brings the term ambient techno to mind. Intelligent drum programming, the balance of all the elements of the track and the beauty of the ambience and melodies echo the tracks that began my addiction to idm. At the same time Interlude is more than retro derivation it is distinct in its own right - paying homage (masterfully) to its influence while combining new elements. SAWII + percussion/ Incunabula hybrid? The comparisons are inevitable but don't do the track justice. A stunningly crafted piece. My favourite of the bunch. . Whateverman - m0hn 7:10 Reconciling Adam's Sense project with Whatever man is difficult. Its hard to imagine such vastly different sounds coming from the same artist at the same time. Whateverman is the 'complex drum stuff' inspired by the likes of aphex and squarepusher but maintaining a more thoughtful edge. The melody and ambience are maintained again accompanied by a great melody. Snappy metallic drum hits punctuated by intermittent echoing bass begin the track and are backed soon by ambience and then melody (the different pitches complimenting each other nicely). Around the two minute mark the percussion steps up to drumnbass standards using not the derivative loops but the snappy processed beats which emerge much more rapidly. Another layer of melody is added and begins to lead the track fluctuating and varying. Later in the track the ambience swirls to the foreground and the percussion becomes even more interesting. A distinctive merging of complex percussion and classic idm ambience and melody. .Whateverman - fist in the air The influence of sqaurepusher is most obvious in this track.Both the percussion and melodies call Jenkinson to mind. What is most remarkable about the track though is that it is every bit as good as squarepusher. The snare rushes and merged percussion are reminiscent of sqaurepusher but at the same time manage to soudn fresh and original. The effect is difficult to describe - upon hearing the track I immediately recognised the influence (which Adam acknowledged proudly) but was not put off by it. Perhaps it was because the track was just so damn good. While certainly informed by the drum programming (and to a lesser extent the melody) of Tom Jenkinson this track uses these elements as the basis for original music. This time it begins with a high pitched melody and sparse percussion. With the addition of the fast bass line the percussive madness begins. Barely distinct beats surge in and out of the sussurus of sound. Again different melodies and sounds are used to round out the track. At the 3.00 minute mark the percussion is stripped away, tension is built before it begins again and rocks on until its conclusion. Squarepusher informed brilliance. .Sense - intermittent alternator Again another distinctly original style. Intermittent alternator begins with minimal bleeps and analoguey sounds which subtly fluctuate and emerge from the mix only to sink back in again. After a minute and a half sparse 'tinny' percussion begins fast and chattering it drives the track on in a linear direction. The slowly shifting sounds of the background work as a remarkable counterpoint to the fixture of the percussion. Later another another level of percussion is added creating a drumnbass effect (awfully clumsy way of describing it unfortunately whereas drumnbass is a whole style Adam employs only its percussive techniques here). More sounds, clanking metal and moaning synths are added accentuating the mix. Finally the percussion is gradually drawn away and the unique sounds finish the track. I've never heard a track that sounds like this. The closest comparison would have to be panasonic for the background (though Adam uses his own distinctive palette of sound) but panasonic is slow in comparison (no worse however) what I mean is that Adam's percussion is much faster and versatile. Experimental minimal noodling combined with metallic drumnbass percussion to great effect. Ignore at your own peril. Some of the sense tracks are available in mp3 format at Adam's new site: http://members.xoom.com/Whateverman/ and all feedback can be directed to: xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx As work progresses on the site more of the whateverman material should be available. Adam tells me also that he'll soon be burning cd-rs of his material to submit to labels if you're interested let him know (either as a fan or a label :) There is also a possibility of a 12" on Voitecks Truck Music label. Look out for it - this is impressive material. Phylistine NP - whatever man ;) Anecdotal evidence: Adam did a gig with td5 and aphex once. He asked richard whether he heard his set and received the reply: yeah i heard it while i was eating my dinner. It was well decent. Well decent indeed.