scoundrel, May 11, 2004
Now the post-rock has basically lost all its meaning, how would one describe Fridge’s Eph album? This reissue includes an additional disc with the EPs and singles that were associated with the original release on Go! Beat. The album itself, however, is a stunning combination of electronics and guitar music. It was fusion before fusion was the norm. “Ark” layers the sounds underneath the main guitar line, while “Of” drifts with a summery melody -- summer in Norway, that is. “Aphelion” adds in some strings for an orchestra feel. On the second disc, “Terasaka” has a quiet house beat underneath the electronic squelches, guitar plucking, and horns. Herbert puts an abstract house spin on “Ark” -- a very typical mix for him, with the cut-ups and layers of sound. Meanwhile, Patrick Pulsinger, makes “Bad Ischl” downtempo, with plenty of sounds to keep your ears happy. This re-release has definitely been overdue.
4.4/5 (