Here we have three massively long, droning doomscapes from Canadian experimentalist Aidan Baker (handling guitar, bass, vocals, and drum programming), and needless to say this project is much different from his ambient material. There are similar elements present within each, but this material is more akin to Sunn with more melody and structure. Each track runs more than 10 minutes ("Slow Loss" clocks in at 20) and is fairly repetitive, using thick walls of subtly melodic, detuned guitar and bass in front of minimal drum programming. Some of the quieter moments, especially when ringing feedback is employed, are reminiscent of older Godflesh to some degree (in part due to the drum machines), and there's nothing wrong with that! If I could change anything about the recording, it would be to make the drum programming much thicker. Despite the fact that you can tell the drums are programmed, I don't mind that, but I find that the thinness of the programming makes the drums sound separate and distant in relation to the guitars and bass. The distance I think could work, but the drums need more resonance, whether it be through effects, etc. The other tones flow well, there's not a lot of detail, but it works out for the most part. It's a good jumping off point. The CD-R comes in a slim jewel case with a simple sleeve that looks like a faintly colored xerox from a printout off of a home computer, but it's not that bad. The design itself is very minimal and tasteful, it's just the print quality/color saturation that could use a slight step up. In the end I think this is a good release that points towards better things to come. Work needs to be done on the drum programming to tighten the timing/placement (Is it even necessary? Does it add to the work?), but for the most part there's a good aesthetic in place, and I'll be curious to hear more in the future.
[Nothingness]
Running time - 44:05, Tracks: 3
[Notable tracks: Slow Loss]
Nothingness Records - http://www.nothre.tk
