Title: Where Once Were Exit Wounds
Artist: Autoclav1.1
Genre: Electronic
Release Date: 28th July 2009
Label: Tympanik Audio
Album Review
I guess I’m not the only one who’s been introduced to Tony Young’s AUTOCLAV1.1 by Tympanik Audio and the last album ‘Love No Longer Lives Here’. It’s his way of transporting emotions and emotional states through melodies and rhythms that made him stand out for me right away. And now he’s already finished the next full-length with ‘Where Once Were Exit Wounds’.
Things on the new album start quite relaxed with ‘When We Woke Up’ introducing with reversed guitars to be complemented by crunchy yet kind of slow-motion drums. A circling guitar opens the second track ‘Walk On Empty’ and as soon as the rhythm is phasing in, things are getting more upbeat and propelling. Multiple piano textures in different shapes start soaring over them giving the track its completely hopeless appearance that is crowned by the thick string section. ‘Taking Blood’ picks up the thread of the track but is giving the piano absolute priority. First it seems the track’s also taking a similar marching route regarding its melodic build, but suddenly you realize it’s all building up towards a climax. A great wave of feelings breaks upon you then with no warning and the combined power of lush strings, piano and indie rock riffing. You think I’ve spoiling the experience by revealing that? Think again, because it’s a completely different thing to read this or to experience it by yourself.
A plain start gives ‘Do You Feel Disposable?’ the aura of becoming quite an unspectacular offering, but that’s only the beginning. The suddenly ascending strings add a magical atmosphere. A voice keeps asking “Do you feel Disposable?” so urgent it won’t stop ringing inside your head, and then the scenery changes with the strings disappearing into a sonic-proof void and jagged guitars get the upper hand. It’s a song full of contradictions and that’s exactly why it’s so damn intriguing. The setting sun, the prospects of a new day that might become the best in your life, or one that’ll tear you apart and destroy you forever! All this was somehow being captured within the notes of ‘Tomorrow’. Near-instant, your mind sinks into the luxurious arrangements, encompassing a resonating drum rhythm that could as well be a sonic metaphor for a ticking clock.
If ‘These Walls Have Seen All’ then what would they tell if they could? Happy stories, tragic, or even terrifying stories of what was happening in the rooms they’re enclosing? No matter what nature these stories would have, a scent of the past always would be attached to them. I think that’s the reason why the complex rhythmic backdrop of the track feels like spiralling backwards in time with oscillating layers the piano soon begins to tell its poignant tale on. ‘Summer’ offers a bright ending to the album with airy synths like a warm breeze on a sunny afternoon, flirting with the soft strokes on the acoustic guitar and deep drones of the bass that are completed by a quite percussive sounding foundation eventually.
The newest AUTOCLAV1.1 album is not as dark as its direct predecessor regarding the mood. Its apparently sealed sound cosmos has doors letting through brighter currents, as well as new stylistic devices. Young has also done another step towards a way more organic sound. For an untrained ear, even the last one raised doubts whether or not the drum parts are acoustic or not at times, but here he’s definitely lifted things to a new level. ‘Where Once Were Exit Wounds’ is a sonic work of art from an artist, letting his soul speak through his music.
Tracklist
01. When We Woke Up - 4:29
02. Walk on Empty - 4:48
03. Taking Blood - 4:12
04. Do you feel Disposable? - 3:56
05. If not Something, Anything - 4:16
06. Tomorrow - 4:54
07. Falling over Ghosts - 4:27
08. These Walls have seen all - 4:05
09. An Idiosyncratic Oath - 4:42
10. These Opening Hours - 4:14
11. Summer - 5:39
Line-Up
Tony Young - All Music & Production
Website
http://www.autoclav.sentrymusic.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/autoclav
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10
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