Re: (idm) Sneakster opinions

From Ed Pond
Sent Tue, Jul 13th 1999, 23:02

>I just picked up a copy of the the Sneakster 
>"Splinters" EP on Bella Union -
>so far I find it rather disappointing.  How 
>does the album compare to this?
>
>What happened to the good old days of "Quique" 
>and "Succour"?
>
>Mike.

I got both the ep and album about 2 weeks ago, 
and I have to say that I'm not disappointed. I 
really love Mark's earlier work as Seefeel and 
Disjecta, and have also been enjoying Mark van 
Hoen's song excursions in Morning Light and 
Annie Williams' Ruby EP. That's the camp that I 
see the Sneakster releases as being in.

I'm not overly keen on track 1 of the ep, but 
find the simple effectiveness of tracks 2 and 3 
very powerful. In the same way as the last track 
off Clean Pit and Lid. Track 4 off the ep I 
really enjoy too - lovely electronicy crunchy 
sounds with wonderful melody also. Not so used 
to the vocals but hey, I'm sure a pure diet of 
electronics must be bad for you :-)

As for the album, it's a very well thought out 
selection of tracks that works very well. The 
first track has some piercing noises like a 
track off Ch-vox and has a very compulsive off-
kilter rhythm, as much of the sneakster stuff 
has.

A couple of tracks have really nice clear crisp 
instruments that maybe a treated guitar? I love 
the sound of them, especially with the flute. 
The track I'm thinking of is number 4 and is 
instrumental.

Another thing I like about the album is, like 
Stasis' Inspirations, it whets your apetite for 
tastier tracks to come later. Track 6 is based 
on the last track, which is a real killer IMHO.

Maybe I've been a little too superlative in my 
review but that reflects the way I feel about 
the album right now. I'd say that if you have 
found yourself inexplicably attracted to 
seefeel's music in the past, and are willing to 
listen and appreciate new sounds, then pseudo-
neuveau will be very satisfying.

-Ed Bond

ps. I think that Push Button Objects - Half 
Dozen is easily their/his best work yet.