Review by phylum_sinterJan 04, 2007(edited over 2 years ago)
A wonderfully cinematic, classically inspired EP on Toytronic.
Bit of Trivia:
The title of the EP "23 Things Fall Apart" corresponds to the I Ching hexagram 23 - which traditionally means things breaking apart.
Oddly enough, I came upon this revelation reading 'The Illuminatus Trilogy' [for the 100th time] today and was searching for some decently inspired background sounds. This album came on, and just as I read in the book, page 23, there is a reference to the I Ching Hexagram 23. Sychronicity is crazy sometimes, other times it just sorta makes me feel the urge to tell someone on the internet.
Hardly surprising that Toytronic have released another classic lp, this time from digitonal, a minimal masterpiece which oozes lush strings and beautifully crafted minimalistic drums, If you can find it, buy it!
This is a beautiful release. great mix of electronics and real instruments, especially the solo violin. The last two tracks flow into each other as related 'movements' of an extremely well-composed pulse/gamelan piece quite in the tradition of Steve Reich's "Music for 18 Musicians" era work. Happily, Digitonal avoids straight plundering Reich -- it's updated with some improv DSP squelches across the second half of the first movement and light electronic drumming throughout.
Toytronic's been pressing quality since TOY01 and this release is no exception.
All i've heard from this album is Come and Play, but believe me, from this one track, I would recommend anyone who has a chance to, buy it.
It's one of the most beautiful pieces of work i've heard in a long time. Imagine a symphony with a drum machine and a tiny influence of keyboards. Now imagine it's the most beautiful thing you've ever heard.
Bit of Trivia:
The title of the EP "23 Things Fall Apart" corresponds to the I Ching hexagram 23 - which traditionally means things breaking apart.
Oddly enough, I came upon this revelation reading 'The Illuminatus Trilogy' [for the 100th time] today and was searching for some decently inspired background sounds. This album came on, and just as I read in the book, page 23, there is a reference to the I Ching Hexagram 23. Sychronicity is crazy sometimes, other times it just sorta makes me feel the urge to tell someone on the internet.