Phobetor "Messages From a Dead Channel" CD
[self-released]
This somewhat misleading package contains a brief CD-R with six tracks of rather interesting experimental noise, all named with numbers that represent the running times of the songs. "141" is the shortest track, and the only one that integrates a sample deep in the mix amidst some jagged windy tones. "321" is very ethereal and bright: A brief, effective piece. "521" is louder, but not harsh... There are some lower midrange tones and a high-pitched ringing in the distance, but it's largely made up of higher midrange whirrs and hums. It's sort of hypnotic, but just a tad heavy on the treble to really pull that effect off. Eventually things lead into some feedback tones, and I think I can hear a little bit of stringed instrument manipulation in there? "525" uses electronic blips under massive delay, creating an underwater R2-D2 sort of feel. It's got great depth, but the sounds are honestly a bit derivative and uninteresting in atmosphere compared to the other tracks... the background bass hums and quieter shuffling sounds are far stronger. "407" is pretty straight dark ambient: Nice and smooth with more bass than the other tracks, a pretty suffocating throb in the distance, and some high-end squeals that swoop around on occasion towards the end. It gets pretty abrasive for a minute or so... but in a very atypical manner. "428" ends things on a pretty damn harsh note, complete with distortion and feedback, but not at all in a Merzbow/traditional harsh noise type of way... it's eerie and painful all at the same time. Now, the layout is quite bland with this one, and that's what had me expecting something a bit more... well, not good. The CD-R comes in a black and white sleeve that was printed from a home computer. The text is really plain and sort of pixilated, and the only "imagery" is a weird sort of static/scribble design on the front cover. The black ink is so thick and dark that it almost feels like weird thin felt or something, which is sort of cool, but there's no way around the fact that, despite getting the job done, it looks sort of shoddy. However, musically this is really strong, and with some work on the presentation and a small amount of development compositionally I think this project would have a lot to offer. I really enjoy most of this material, and I'll be curious to see where things end up... (6/10)
Running time - 24:23, Tracks: 6
[Notable tracks: 321, 407]
Phobetor - http://www.phobetor.cjb.net

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