Attrition - Ephemera

Title: Ephemera - Incidental Musics Volume II
Artist: Attrition
Genre: Ambient / Electronic / Darkwave
Release date: 12th March 2010
Label: Two Gods



Album Review

During its almost 30 years of existence, the dark Electronica pioneer ATTRITION has created over fifteen albums and unique soundscapes that vary from simplistic to richly orchestrated. ‘Ephemera’ is actually a re-release from 1995. Electronic music often begins to sound dated already in a few years, but the unconventional, minimalist soundscape ATTRITION created for Ephemera already fifteen years ago has aged gracefully and still sounds fresh.

Opening track 'The Long Wait' starts slow and ambient-like, but turns into a nightmare along its almost ten minutes long duration. 'A Great Desire' has throbbing, pulsating rhythm to which spooky piano and sounds of sirens add sinister touch. 'The Big Lie' is another track that starts slowly but develops into a complex web of sounds: The ominous soundscape consisting of choir, organs and oriental influences sets your thoughts back in time. 'Wetenschap' has the most joyful atmosphere of the tracks of this rather dark and moody album and indeed you can hear the theme from Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' theme from his Ninth symphony played, albeit at times a bit clumsily. The final track 'Lang Zal Jij Leven' borrows its name from a Dutch birthday song, although the trumpet sounds and unreleased tension are not exactly cheerful.

The album has only five tracks but they are all lengthy - almost ten minutes - and low in tempo. No track rises up above the others: the album is clearly meant to be listened as whole. This album challenges the listener but it is well worth the effort: For those who are patient enough, there are fine details to be found each time you listen to the album.


Tracklist

01. The Long Wait - 9:45
02. A Great Desire - 9:52
03. The Big Lie - 9:58
04. Wetenschap (Dream #9) - 9:42
05. Lang Zal Jij Leven - 9:54


Line-up

Chris Bowes
Martin Bowes
Ashley Niblock
Julia Waller


Website

http://www.attrition.co.uk/ / http://www.myspace.com/attritionuk


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 8
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 8.5 / 10


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