Cornucopia "Diámetros" CD
[Paralelo18]
This mammoth 44-minute excursion was recorded and performed live by Jorge Castro and Claudio Chea at Café del Angel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 2003. The first few minutes are practically just a searing higher-midrange chirp that sort of rips at the ears and almost creates the illusion that a defective CD is trying to make itself heard. Things start getting a little more robust as far as the crackling distortion over the chirping tone goes, and it seems that there are some minimal low-end rumblings very quietly shifting underneath, but it's so minimal and persistent that it's hard to tell. It gets a little harsher and more active as it progresses, but it's so minimal and spacious that it doesn't come off as particularly abrasive, technically it can get hard on the ears, but atmospherically it's not overbearing at all. Eventually things start to shift over about a third of the way through, with more emphasis on the low-end and some fluttering recordings that sound sort of like distorted rain. More harsh, partial feedback sounding tones start back in though, so it's not too relaxed, nor is it over the top. Eventually, within the 30-minute mark, a changeover to a similar piercing tone to the start of the track comes in. Wispy midrange and crunchy distortion fade back to the fore over time and bring the selection to an abrupt close. The recording is very good, especially for being live. I'd be curious to know what means were used for the performance since it's so crisp and warm, without being at all rugged or lifeless. The CD comes with a minimalist booklet that contains just a few snippets of clean, simple text and a few shades of light purple color. That's basically it, really. I like it, my only complaint is that it's a little long for what it offers. I get really bored at noise shows so I can't imagine sitting through nearly 45 minutes of this. It's so minimal and generally consistent in delivery that it can get tiresome, though for the most part it's definitely effective. Something about the release just needs that extra kick to boost it to the next level. (6/10)
Running time - 44:02, Tracks: 1
[Notable tracks: there's only one]
Paralelo18 - http://www.paralelo18.org

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