Pounder - E6

Released
1997

Label
Invisible Records

Reviewed by
Michael C. Lund

Contact
Invisible
PO Box 16008
Chicago, IL 60616
USA

Visit

Last Edit/Update
01 February, 1998

Pounder

E6

Track Listing

1. Transparency
2. Fireside
3. Throughput
4. DDB
5. 300 Cents
6. Sworn
7. Sonic
8. Reflections (On Warming Up)

          Released through Invisible, Lab Report member Eric Pounder's debut solo album is a highly evocative collection of experimental arrangements. The eight pieces included on the CD are of a minimalist nature and vary greatly in length and mood. All the tracks are centered around Pounder's guitar compositions, which at times are distorted and manipulated, and at other times clear, crisp and acoustic. Supporting Eric Pounder are Bill Hartley and Dan Miles on drums, and David Marine on theremin.
          Most impressive amongst the pieces are "DDB" and "Throughput." "DDB" is a monumental 15-minute sound-
scape featuring long, drawnn-out electronic guitar notes that create the impression of air raid sirens speaking to each other in the night. Gradually the sounds become more chaotic, until only the slow repetition of deep crashing guitar chords is left. "Throughput" begins with what sounds like random pluckings of guitar strings, with the weeping sound of a theremin hovering behind it. The pluckings gradually develop into a theme, and then the piece abruptly comes to a complete halt. A much faster and elaborate presentation of the guitar theme returns; the beautiful sound of the theremin continuously coursing off into deeper and deeper sonic space.
          The tracks "Fireside," "Sonic" and "Reflections" are all brief, and their titles reveal much about the musical moods evoked by these. "Fireside" is a warm, lilting theme played on acoustic guitar, which conjures up the mental image of sitting by a fire in the company of a guitarist exploring his instrument. "Sonic" weds the harmonics of an organ with some heavy guitar distortion, and "Reflections (On Warming Up)" gives the impression of an orchestrated practice session for guitar and drums. The longer piece "Sworn" similarly is a kind of sound vignette -- incidental music performed on an acoustic guitar and an old out-of-tune piano.
          Of a more conventional nature are the songs "300 Cents" and "Transparency." "Transparency" features a nice crisp guitar theme set against a carpet of guitar- generated noises and lingering theremin harmonies. A moaning male voice is introduced over the instrumentation and at the end of the piece sourly mutters: "I know everything about you."
          Pounder delivers the experimental sound qualities that Eric Pounder has come to be known for in his other musical projects. E6 is an extremely compelling voyage into the unexplored possibilities of sound; a pleasure to listen to.