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Psychic Enemies Network, "Valis"
PSYCHIC ENEMIES NETWORK "VALIS"
Geographically seperated brothers John and Matt Thorne are Psychic Enemies Network. "Valis" further explores the psycho-sonic territory initially tapped on their 1998 self released, self titled debut. Their music comes from a wide range of world percussion (djemba, toas drum, african kettle, elephant bell, hand percussion, etc.), guitar, bass, trumpet (by David Chapman), synths, sequences and samples. The mix is contained to a point, never allowed to boil over into the red, and a feeling of slightly unsettling transcendence is present throughout. Quite a bit of thought seems to be going in to it all too as track titles reference such varied topics as irregular heart actions, Philip K. Dick novels, henna painting and geographical projections. "Arhythmia" begins as a warm ambient loop later adding exotic rhythms and background samples for a sound similar to late '80s Muslimgauze. "Come Crumbling" is a murky mix of voices and trumpet drone. "Sandfall" perfectly marries shimmering loops with pan melodies, female backing vocals and a deep electro-bass groove. "Tilted Earth" builds a hypnotic wall of sound from trumpet wails, finger cymbals, bells and chimes. "Bowl Cut" is a mildly funky blend of jazz drumming and quirky synth riffs. "Radio Free Albemuth (altman)" amusingly cuts and pastes samples culled from various musical projects the Thornes have been involved in for some Nurse With Wound-like fun. "Valis" beautifully accentuates swirling ambient guitar and samples with light brushed snare and subtle trumpet playing. "Mehendi" swings a little with a jazzy rhythm and moody bass. "8/7/96" rips and tears audio fragments over a few looped notes of clean guitar. And "Gnomonic" concludes the album as it began with a quiet, albeit rhythmic, loop. Altogether "Valis" is varied, flows well and shows a studied progression. Psychic Enemies Network have definitely found their niche! Up next is a series of side projects under the 'Psychic Enemies Network Presents' umbrella including Para!Helion "Midaq Alley" (with John Thorne and David Chapman - more of a straightforward world music project, also recommended) and Fez Dispenser (with Matt Thorne). Info may be found at www.browser.to/psychicenemiesnetwork/ .
Geographically seperated brothers John and Matt Thorne are Psychic Enemies Network. "Valis" further explores the psycho-sonic territory initially tapped on their 1998 self released, self titled debut. Their music comes from a wide range of world percussion (djemba, toas drum, african kettle, elephant bell, hand percussion, etc.), guitar, bass, trumpet (by David Chapman), synths, sequences and samples. The mix is contained to a point, never allowed to boil over into the red, and a feeling of slightly unsettling transcendence is present throughout. Quite a bit of thought seems to be going in to it all too as track titles reference such varied topics as irregular heart actions, Philip K. Dick novels, henna painting and geographical projections. "Arhythmia" begins as a warm ambient loop later adding exotic rhythms and background samples for a sound similar to late '80s Muslimgauze. "Come Crumbling" is a murky mix of voices and trumpet drone. "Sandfall" perfectly marries shimmering loops with pan melodies, female backing vocals and a deep electro-bass groove. "Tilted Earth" builds a hypnotic wall of sound from trumpet wails, finger cymbals, bells and chimes. "Bowl Cut" is a mildly funky blend of jazz drumming and quirky synth riffs. "Radio Free Albemuth (altman)" amusingly cuts and pastes samples culled from various musical projects the Thornes have been involved in for some Nurse With Wound-like fun. "Valis" beautifully accentuates swirling ambient guitar and samples with light brushed snare and subtle trumpet playing. "Mehendi" swings a little with a jazzy rhythm and moody bass. "8/7/96" rips and tears audio fragments over a few looped notes of clean guitar. And "Gnomonic" concludes the album as it began with a quiet, albeit rhythmic, loop. Altogether "Valis" is varied, flows well and shows a studied progression. Psychic Enemies Network have definitely found their niche! Up next is a series of side projects under the 'Psychic Enemies Network Presents' umbrella including Para!Helion "Midaq Alley" (with John Thorne and David Chapman - more of a straightforward world music project, also recommended) and Fez Dispenser (with Matt Thorne). Info may be found at www.browser.to/psychicenemiesnetwork/ .samples:
Pit er Pat
Starting in 2004, the trio of Pit er Pat—Rob Doran, Fay Davis-Jeffers and Butchy Fuego—have been releasing music on a number of different labels, including their latest full-length on Chicago's Thrill Jockey. Their brand of music has drawn comparisons to Blonde Redhead, Soft Machine and Slapp Happy, among others.
