What began as a lighter side project to Richard Chartier’s more academic work under his own name has evolved into its own distinct entity. Featuring some high profile vocal collaborations, including William Basinski, Cosey Fanni Tutti, and Kid Congo Powers, Description of Problem has Chartier expanding his kitchy project even further, into a dark, sexy album that adds another glittering jewel into his discography.
At times, PCP stays somewhat close to Chartier's own work.Opener "Description of Problem/More Everything", with Aurora Liminalis collaborator William Basinski appearing via voicemail, is not too far removed from what appeared on that album:glistening, shiny melodies and electronic interference in an otherworldly haze.The lower fidelity moments and sampled voices are what gives it a distinct character compared to his other works."Perfunctory Attachments," the only one here that is Chartier alone, follows a similar pattern and style.The voice samples and haunting melody ensures it remains distinct from his other material, but his expert use of understated electronics is clearly present.
One of the most significant developments from the previous PCP albums comes on "Our Story," featuring vocals by AGF.The piece retains the Valium haze of the other album, but here Chartier employs an almost percussive bass throb that evolves into a crunchy, distorted pulse.The appearance of scattered melodic shards in the beginning and end keeps it clearly a PCP release, but his flirtations with rhythm are refreshing.
The album's centerpiece is a dark and captivating collaboration with Cosey Fanni Tutti titled "Boundlessly (for M. Heyer)".Chartier keeps the noises low and rumbly throughout, with creepy bits of melody and crumbling sound textures that enhance the impact of her voice.Cosey’s spoken vocals are hushed and intimate, and while the content of the lyrics may be disturbing, she brings an undeniable sensual mood that is beautifully matched with the lush electronic backing.
Gun Club/Cramps member Kid Congo Powers appears on a reworking of PCP’s "iamaphotograph (darkroomversion)", which appeared previously on Please Pick Up.On here it is pulled apart and disjointed even more, with Powers' male voice standing out forcefully in the contexts of the otherwise feminine voices that dominate the album.The result is an ugly and intimidating bit of animus amongst the anima that comprises Description of Problem.Even though it is more fragmented in comparison, it has the same dark filthy ambience that characterized the previous versions, and takes downright sonically evil turn at the end.
The aesthetic Richard Chartier has developed as Pinkcourtesyphone may bear little resemblance to the serious, scholarly work that he issues under his own name, but it features the same level of compositional skill and complexity that sounds like no other.The underlying theme of vintage camp and ennui results in an juxtaposition with the dark sexuality and hints of sleaze that permeate the album, resulting in a genius reality versus fantasy pairing befitting the 1950s housewife sensibility PCP has featured heavily in his albums thus far.
samples:
- Description of Problem (with William Basinski)/More Everything
- Our Story (with AGF)
- Boundlessly (for M. Heyer) (with Cosey Fanni Tutti)
 
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