Released
1997
Label
Invisible
Reviewed by
Michael C. Lund
Dead
Voices On Air
Versus
Not Breathing
A Fire In The Bronx Zoo
Track Listing
1. Alston Fel (*)
2. Sinkhole (#)
3. Jute Wheel (*)
4. Unknown Kadath (#)
5. Nord Hasp (*)
6. Azathoth Venom (#)
7. Rookhope (*)
(*) DVOA remix of new material
by Not Breathing
(#) Not Breathing remix of new
material by DVOA
Two of the most innovative and
exciting outfits on the current experimental music scene have come together to rework each
other's material on the Invisible released A Fire In The Bronx Zoo.
Seven tracks are included on the CD, even numbered tracks being original Dead
Voices On Air recordings remixed by Not Breathing, and the roles
reversed on the odd numbered tracks. The outcome of this collaboration is surprisingly
congruent; none of the tracks really sound remarkably like either of the bands' previous
releases, the seven tracks instead represent a successful fusion of the distinct sounds of
both bands. If there is any discernible difference between the songs originally composed
by Dead Voices On Air, and those by Not Breathing, it
would be that the Not Breathing tracks are somewhat more minimal than
those by Dead Voices On Air.
A Fire In The Bronx Zoo
opens with a curious little track entitled "Alston Fel." It is by far the
shortest piece on the CD, and is nothing more than a clear, jingly synth loop ringing on
for a little less than two minutes.
With "Sinkhole" the
voyage into outer aural space truly begins. Over a background of distant rumbling
machinations, a swarm of singing electronics bleep and beep like a choir of hidden
insects. Gradually, the piece accelerates, developing into a grating wall of feverish
noise. At the end, the chaos having reached a crescendo, the raging soundscape ebbs, and
relative harmony returns.
"Jute Wheel" again
descends into more minimal territory. A series of lingering atmospheric sheets of sound
and hovering drones fade in and out over each other. The numbing harmonic quality of the
piece creates the aural impression of being submerged in a sensory deprivation tank.
The extended track "Unknown
Kadath" is a dive into a visceral ocean replete with colorful mental coral reefs.
Soothing, aquatic sounds intermingle with waxing and waning nightmare themes, and
electronic synapse pulses flickering in the nocturnal sonic space. Constantly mutating and
developing, this piece is the most layered and intricately structured on the CD -- a
visually stimulating and delightful sightseeing tour for the inner eye.
With "Nord Hasp" the
listener is transported into an alien landscape of melodic beauty, with a foreboding
presence lurking just beneath the harmonic sound-fabric. A simple little theme that sounds
as if whistled by a person walking gaily along in this musical landscape courses through
most of the piece, adding a sense of piece and tranquility to the otherwise ominous
atmosphere.
Dominated by a number of
percussional elements, the funky undertones of "Azathoth Venom" roots it more
firmly in the physical world than any ot the other tracks on the CD. In the deep
background, droning sound effects race along unceasingly, and gradually move into stronger
focus, as the piece progresses. A number of zapping and whipping effects make occasional
appearances in this nice composition, which carries slight hints of Spybey's past
involvement in Download.
The CD closes with another extended
excursion into the possibilities of minimalist sound manipulation. Opening with a single,
sustained, grinding loop, other presences slowly fade in and merge with this initial tone,
gradually creating a dense, buzzing mass of slowly morphing and mutating sound. Towards
the end of "Rookhope" a brief segment of walkie-talkie communication appears,
but the radio interference and background drone washes out the words. As with all the
music on this CD, only the impression of sound is left, any interpretation is left wholly
up to the listener.
©1996-2000 Last Sigh
