Xerrox, Vol. 2
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5.0
Average of 6 reviews
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Let me be clear, this album is a monumental achievement in the realm of electronic music. I've often felt that many releases on Mille Plateau and Raster-Noton have prioritized experimentation over musicality. When electronic music loses its emotional core, it stops being music. That's what makes this release so crucial. Volume 1 took samples and transformed them into an ocean of fizzes, sprays, and static, creating a sound that was entirely unique. It was like exploring an alien soundscape of vast electronic soundscapes. Volume 2 goes even further. Here, an unpredictable, cinematic journey unfolds, filled with twists and turns. At times, impossibly dense layers of fuzz and static place you right in the heart of a massive electronic storm, but soon enough, you find yourself in the eye of the storm. The music becomes spacious, warm, and comforting. This release has more soul, depth, and innovation than anything I've heard in a long time. I know this is just the second in a series of five Xerrox releases—that makes me incredibly happy! Truly stunning contemporary music.
Alva Noto's newest addition to the Xerrox series has finally made its appearance. This time around, the dusty paths of Vol.1 are overshadowed by gloomy skies, and the atmosphere is charged with more intense static electricity. For example, track 4 comes across almost as abrasive as a droning, hypnotic piece from Merzbow's Electro Magnetic Unit. Yet, no one can refute the highly intelligent and frequently moving musicality of Vol.2. The tone is melancholic on many tracks, but Alva Noto masterfully entices the listener by stripping away layers of static to unveil the signature strings that tugged at our heartstrings in Vol.1. Here, they weave different tunes, but the same underlying sorrow lingers in the fuzzy ambiance. Pieces by Stephen O'Malley, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and even Michael Nyman were sampled and morphed into new entities by the unparalleled skill of Alva Noto. Who would have thought that O'Malley's crushing riffs could evoke such eerie sadness (Xerrox Soma)? Who could have predicted that Sakamoto's commercial film score would be transformed into a delicate drone/glitch supernova (Xerrox Sora)? Who expected to feel the beautiful essence of Fennesz radiating on tracks like Xerrox Phaser Acat 1? With its subtle surprises and 'ear-opening' atmosphere, Vol.2 undoubtedly matches the poetic brilliance and edginess of its predecessor. Carsten Nicolai couldn't have expressed himself any better. Once more, Xerrox has electrified and left us in awe-struck wonder.
There's no denying that this album is a monumental achievement in electronic music history. While I've often felt that many releases on Mille Plateau and Raster-Noton prioritize experimentation over musicality, this record proves that electronic music can retain its soul. When it loses that essence, it's no longer music. That's why this release is so crucial. Volume 1 took samples and transformed them into a vast ocean of fizzes, sprays, and static, creating a sound that was entirely unique and otherworldly. Volume 2 pushes even further. It's an unpredictable, cinematic journey filled with twists and turns. At times, impossibly dense layers of fuzz and static immerse you in a massive electronic storm, but soon you find yourself in the eye of that storm. The music becomes spacious, warm, and comforting. This release has more soul, depth, and innovation than anything I've heard in ages. I'm thrilled that this is only the second in a series of five Xerrox releases. It's absolutely stunning contemporary music.
Incredibly brilliant and exceptional album, which finally demonstrates that Alva Noto is a gifted and genuinely motivational artist among today's electronic music scene. I'm not some biased admirer or crazy enthusiast of Nicolai's work, but Xerrox 2 would even captivate those who usually don't grasp or appreciate his musical style. Truly fascinating album, strongly suggested for anyone seeking a crucial piece of music to grasp what's at the forefront of ambient electronica now.
Without a doubt, a phenomenal and exceptional album that solidifies Alva Noto's status as a gifted and genuinely inspiring artist among today's electronic music scene. I'm not one of those die-hard fans who absolutely adore Nicolai's work, but Xerrox 2 is sure to captivate even those who typically don't grasp or appreciate his musical style. Truly a fascinating album, I'd strongly suggest it to anyone looking to get a grip on what's currently pushing the boundaries of ambient electronica.
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