Crimewave's Andy Gibbs is best known as one of the guitarists for dour, doom metal artisans Thou, but his solo work could not possibly be more different. This collection compiles two tapes of solo synth material that is much more subtle than his guitar work, but lacks none of the creativity and diversity of his other output. Shades of classic film score and ambient music can be heard, but the final product stands strongly as a unique set of songs.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this set is that it, while heavily synth focused, is not heavily rooted in vintage sounds or gear.The technology employed by Gibbs has a fresh, contemporary sound to it, and while influences can be heard, they are subtle inspirations rather than styles being emulated.Pieces like "Broken Man" and "Fraud" have a lighter tinge to them that channels the likes of Tangerine Dream and Vangelis' soundtrack work, and both feature a strong, darker undercurrent to them that add significant depth.On the other hand, the hints of dissonance and chaos that permeate "Rebecca" are not miles removed from John Carpenter's best work.
This is not a collection of film scores, however, and Gibbs never sticks too closely to any specific template."Yarrow," for example, has a distinctly strange lead synth sound that makes the piece sound simultaneously jaunty and sad, resulting in an odd mood, but a compelling work.Idiosyncratic sounds drive "Devastated by a Stranger's Remark" as well, giving the piece a crunchier, more dissonant color, but the restrained mood stays consistent.
While this is a two volume collection, the pieces on the second cassette feel more thematically consistent, like a traditional album."In Wonder" and "Cypressdrone" both find Gibbs enshrouding synths and piano sounds in a concrete bunker of reverb, and both of which drift closer to noise at times, while never losing their musical structure.Even the glassy keyboards of "Healing Beam," while not as bleak, still convey a definite sense of sadness throughout.
One of the lighter moments on this second tape is the shimmering synths and weird rhythmic loops of "Allure of Crime," but even there the sound stays mostly shadowy.It may only have hints at harshness, but "Burnt Oak" remains dark and cold, drifting on a big droning bass line as squalls of electronic noise shine through occasionally.The concluding "Shame" is where Gibbs embraces ugliness the most.Forceful, buzzing keyboard passages and white noise make for an aggressive piece to begin with, but the constant tremolo effect on the volume adds an additional level of intensity to it.
Cinematic drama abounds on this collection of Andy Gibbs' work as Crimewave, but the constantly changing moods and diverse array of sounds he employs throughout these two tapes makes it impossible to pigeonhole.While it may bear little direct resemblance to his other persona in Thou, the force and intensity is similar, and it results in a lengthy collection that stays fresh and brilliant throughout.
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