Released
1998
Label
Drone Records
Reviewed by
Michael C. Lund
Contact
Stefan Knappe
Drone Records
Gneisenaustrasse 56
28201 Bremen
Germany
Last Edit/Update
29 juni, 1998
Vance Orchestra
HOT WATER MUSIC
7"
(first edition: 250 copies)
Track Listing
Side A
Hot Water Music
Side B
Rollercoaster Mind
The Dutch experimental music ensemble Vance Orchestra's single-EP Hot
Water Music has been released in Drone Records' exclusive series of
7" vinyls. Each side of the single features an extended sound assemblage that at
first seems completely chaotic, but gradually assumes patterns of an oddly rhythmic
quality.
The first -- "Rollercoaster
Mind" -- utilizes a continuous loop of subtle, humming organ tones as the foundation,
over which a variety of other sonic incidents take place. The sound of a voice speaking
over a loudspeaker is briefly heard at the beginning, but soon drowned out by waves of
shattering electronics that blow in and out of the piece throughout the rest of its
duration. The echoes of intensely manipulated voice segments likewise become a steady,
almost rhythmic, element. Distant grindings come closer and recede, then close in again;
and, beneath this dense, buzzing carpet of sounds a wealth of other indefinable rustlings
and ruminations are constantly present.
Through the layering of these many
simultaneously pulsating noises, a strangely hypnotic effect is arrived at -- a sensation
of entering an altered state through the music that seems to have been intended by Vance
Orchestra. As stated in a brief text on the single's accompanying card: "far
away from words & ordinary madness, / there is a foundation, not made by human hands.
/ find this place, sit down & listen to hot water music. / stick to your ears, and
look up at the sky. / cause that's the limit; at least that's what you think. / so reach
for it and get higher."
While very different in the sources
and qualities of sounds employed, the other track -- "Hot Water Music" --
achieves the same effect. This piece is more noisy, and appears to have been largely
composed of manipulated recordings of water. Here is the unmistakable sound of water
dripping, but also the harsh noise as of rushing water, and liquid percussive sounds that
may or may not be the sampled sound of water being cleft. Voices in some exotic language
are repeated throughout the piece, steely strings are strummed in the far distance, and
the brief odd presence of an airforce radio communication is sampled at one point.
Like other entries in this series,
the first edition of Vance Orchestra's Hot Water Music is limited
to 250 copies, and is presented in a white sleeve with unique blue and purple print
designs on the covers. The single is pressed on orange vinyl, with the title etched near
the center of the record, while the labels on both sides carry Drone Records'
emblem as the only mark of identity.
