Released
1999
Label
RUE
Reviewed by
Mike Ramirez
Contact
Robert Guess
Visit
www.rue.org
Last Edit/Update
03 July, 1999
Various Artists
Rue Composite .001
Track Listing
1. Dub 1 -- Spain
2. Foreigh Agents -- Jazz.Segue001
3. Spac Epod -- Marqtty
4. Stephen Ray -- Assailant
5. Rob Gues -- Blue Satin
6. Lurker -- Sinking
7. Sub-Q -- Gita Servo
8. Crux -- Noxious
9. Syllabica -- Creeper
10. Tamperer.Vortecx - Vortek
11. Nabbee Swift -- Bells that Sting (edit)
12. Ene -- Won Over by Low Rates
Eve Schnuur (Syllabica), and Robert Guess
Rather than issuing a CD
of his personal collection, project organizer Robert Guess, of Malacoda, puts
together "Rue." This is a compilation disc featuring local artists from the
Virginia area, and friends of Robert himself. Overall, the tone represented on the disc is
both minimalistic and droning, but the music never strays too far from being labeled
as "original."
Though the repetition of some tracks might bore the listener, the
majority of the tracks here are excellent products of what's going on in the underground
electronic music scene. Plus, the liner notes inside the CD contains the email contacts of
each artist on the disc, which allows the listener to get in contact with the creators
themselves, rather than pondering on questions they don't have the answers to. A look
inside each track....
1. Dub 1 (dub1 (at) rue.org) Spain
A nice way to open out a compilation disc you put one of the best tracks at the beginning.
Without trying to compare to other well-known artists, the track has an Autechre feel to
it at the beginning, then goes straight into its own creation. Loopy bass and deep keys
supply a great atmosphere.
2. Foreign Agents (foreignagents (at) rue.org) Jazz.Segue001
The title of this track should say it all. A nice mixture of drum-n-bass, topped off with
some nice (sampled?) horns and heavenly synth work. I'm surprised this band is not on any
of LTJ Bukem's "Earth" compilation discs, as it would fit perfectly in the mix.
Play this one on a dark, rainy day. It reminds me of the French Quarter down in New
Orleans.
3. Spac Epod (spacepod (at) rue.org)
Marqtty
Well, this was one of those repetitious tracks. It's not a total let down though. After
you get past the first 2 or 3 minutes of the basic beat, the track shifts itself to having
little to no beat at all! A nice effort, but not the highlight of the disc.
4. Stephen Ray (stephenray (at) rue.org) Assailant
A nice touch after the last outfit. "Assailant" utilizes all of the best
elements in IDM, breakbeat, and sequencing, and develops a crazy track destined for the
dance floor. Definitely a topnotch effort, and one of the best on the disc. I'm looking
forward to future songs from Ray.
5. Rob Guess (robguess (at) rue.org) Blue Satin
The big cheese of the project steps up to plate now, and doesn't disappoint! This is far
different from his work on Malacoda; more up-tempo and experimental. Nonetheless, an
amazing track, with a fancy piano sample reminiscent of a horror film.
6. Lurker (lurker (at) rue.org) Sinking
There is definitely a "Panacea" feel to this track here. Distorted drum samples
combined with spooky bass and sound effects, basically making this track a taster for
anyone who enjoys the dark/tech step vibe.
7. Sub-Q (subq (at) rue.org) Gita Servo
Opening up with a synth line that makes you feel as if you entered an underground
labyrinth in Zelda, "Gita Servo" is a mellow song that fits in nicely from the
intensity of the previous tracks. If you missed the "Zelda" key line in the
beginning, just give it time. It'll pop back up in the middle.
8. Crux (crux (at) rue.org) Noxious
Dragging at first, but by the time the shifting beat kicks in, this track will have you
bobbing your head in no time. The fading of the cymbal is the real ear candy here,
especially when you envision it coming at you from the side. You'll have to hear it to
believe it.
9. Syllabica (syllabica (at) rue.org) Creeper
Definitely the "darkest" track on the disc, but that's not a bad thing here! It
has that creepy Coil feel to it, which I find to be pretty interesting. Even though the
track does repeat itself for every minute, it's an excellent soundscape track. The climax
tends to shift however, so it's not a complete repeat.
10. Tamperer.Vortecx (tamperervortecx (at) rue.org) Vortek
Quite a change from the last track, "Vortek" comes out at with all in bouncing
form and wobbling synth & bass lines. The beauty that I find in this disc as a whole
is how it is able to shift moods from one track to the other. Maybe the artists intended
it to be this way.
11. Nabbee Swift (nabbeeswift (at) rue.org) Bells that Sting (edit)
The drums throughout the track give it an African vibe, which remains very pure throughout
the song. This band should get together with Dubtribe Sound System. Is that a xylophone I
hear?
12. Ene (ene (at) rue.org) Won Over by Low Rates
Not an appropriate way of closing out this disc at all. The track just goes nowhere, and
provides no mood for the listener. A basic drum beat and all of your regular
"sampling" ingredients make up this track which would have been better off
somewhere ion the middle of this disc.
Compilation discs are usually one of the following very good or garbage. Thankfully, "Rue" marches on the road of accomplishment, as well as most of the artists on the disc. This is a wonderful disc for anyone wanting to hear what's coming from the electronic underground ocean. Dive on in.
