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<H1>Hans Van Eck - BassBox [Album] <BR>
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<H2><I>Audiobulb Recordings</I></H2>
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<DIV class=amazon_widget_GB_8005_0 id=amazon_widget_GB_8005_0>“Audiobulb “are a
Sheffield based exploratory electronic record label that is home to some of the
finest purveyors of all things experimental. “Works supported by Audiobulb often
explore the interface between the electronic and natural world. We embrace the
complexity of unique electronics, intricate acoustics and detailed
microsound.”<BR><BR>To be honest, in this day and age I will applaud any artists
that will try and explore new realms of sound and rhythm. These artists stick
true to their ideas, that are born from imagination and invention, without
trying to pigeon hole their sound into genres or even worse - trends and
fashions.<BR><BR>Hans van Eck is a collaboration between the Schreck Ensemble
(as yet I have not discovered if they are in any way related to the cartoon
character) and sound artist / instrument designer “Hans van Koolwijk” (I have
not discovered, as yet, the wig maker either). The idea is that large bass
speakers are placed inside a “BassBox” which is a cabinet with only two small
holes for letting the air escape. These holes are placed in close proximity to
flutes, so that the vibrations from the speakers cause the flutes to play, and
it is these noises that are recorded.<BR><BR>From reading this it is probably
quite difficult to imagine what the album actually sounds like. Well it is a
mixture of heart arresting tractor like drones and throbs like on Track One
'Deep Roll,' to the delicate and complex rhythmic melodies heard on Track Three
'House.' <BR><BR>“BassBox” is never going to appeal to a mass market, but that
was never the point. The experimental music collective is seen as a method of
creating sound that is not only new and distinct but also a sound that has a
life of its own. The creators of “Bassbox” are certainly able to have slight
control over what the overall song sounds like, but I am sure that it is never
what they originally completely intended. This means that the music almost has a
life of its own. A structure that is in harmony with the natural world and a
meaning that is very hard to decipher, yet alone understand.<BR>In the music
spectrum there is definitely a place for this sort of “experiment”. Audiobulb
Records see and hear a depth to this type of music that many will not
understand. <BR><BR>On “BassBox” there are glimpses as to why and how this music
can be so effective. Intricate flute melodies that seem to build up on
themselves, outlining a driving yet underlying subtle melody which drowns the
listener in delicate, yet complex structures like those in evidence on 'House'
and Track Seven 'Shaken Rhythm.' <BR><BR>When the BassBoxes are used to create
the kind of low frequency drones that make you want to visit the bathroom, I
personally, am not so sure. 'Deep Roll' and Track Two 'Scintillating' are not
exactly musical, but remain effective. Fans of “Noise” and “Drone” music will
certainly be interested, and taking into account that there is little or no
“post-recording” production, bar amplification, the noises and sound-scapes are
highly interesting, if not overtly musical.<BR><BR>All in all, I applaud Hans
van Eck’s enthusiasm, imagination and drive. Hans van Eck have stayed true to
their ideas and never veered from their distinct path and that in today’s fickle
world, must be applauded. <BR><BR>Saturday evening pre party listening though,
this is decidedly not. </DIV></DIV>
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<P class=MsoAutoSig><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">David
Newman<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"
/><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoAutoSig><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Audiobulb
Records<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoAutoSig><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><A
href="http://www.audiobulb.com/"><SPAN
style="COLOR: navy">http://www.audiobulb.com</SPAN></A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoAutoSig><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: #ff6600; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">exploratory
music<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
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