Various Artists
"Expedition_3" CD
Everest
Records
Genre: electronic, experimental
Jun 15, 2009 |
In general, compilations are a critic's
nightmare, and Expedition_3 is no exception. This hefty
fifteen-track sampler is a stylistically and generically eclectic
affair, smartly oscillating between experimental atmospherics and more
conventional electronic composition. Of course, it helps that the
compilation is actually really good, yet the prospect of writing about
fifteen different artists contributing fifteen different pieces
of music is still undeniably daunting.
So I'll make this
as simple as I can. Listeners interested in the outer
boundaries of electronic music will likely find much to salivate over
amid this substantial collection of sounds. On the more experimental
end of matters lies a strong sampling of atmospheric material,
including BlindeKinder's textured, organic "Siro," Seychal-Mills'
brilliant sample-work "Kill for Her," and Iqb's sinister "Track
& Trace". These abstract compositions comprise some of Expedition_3's
most superb moments.
Meanwhile, more rhythmic electronic music
encompasses at least half of this disc, and with it comes several
tracks worth mentioning. Romeo's uplifting, momentous "Trace"
is a fine dose of deep, cinematic techno, matching a terrific rhythm
to an inspiring synth melody. On the other hand, Manuel Engel's
glitchy "Daddy G" is a slyly pensive bit of IDM that exudes clear
shades of Aphex Twin and Squarepusher. Not every moment
stands up to these highlights, although contributions by Starting
Teeth, Les Poissons Autistes, and Copy & Paste are
also worth examining.
The Everest label has
designed a sampler that rivals most
similar efforts, and for that they must be congratulated. Due
to sheer quality, Expedition_3 has avoided the calamity that
typically befalls such undertakings, thus somewhat buffering the
terror that those pesky Various Artists have instilled in me.
85%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 15 tracks, distributed by
the
label,
released 2008] |