Loam
"Terra Obscura" CD
Topscore
USA
Genres: experimental electro, electro, ambient
loam website
Sep 22 - 28 2003 |
Loam is a new experimental electronic act on the Topscore USA
label. The man behind the music is Jim Warchol, who loves to
create abstract soundscapes that frequently maintain melody but only
occasionally feature a beat. Many may be initially turned off by the
often sparse nature of the release, but, as soundscapes, the nine pieces on
this disc are remarkably solid, especially when listened to in the dark.
"L@dy in my Life" is one of the most interesting tracks on Terra
Obscura; it takes virtually unrecognizable samples from the same-named Michael
Jackson tune and creates an entirely new piece out of them.
Meanwhile, ambient dronework "Middle Inlet" is atmospheric albeit
quite repetitive and "Sol" is a powerful, mind-consoling piece of
audio art with a sense of very subtle melody.
When all is said and done, Loam's Terra Obscura is a very
strong experimental electronic album. Playing with ambient soundscapes and
subtle melody and rhythm, Jim Warchol has created an intensely
interesting avant-garde release. Climb into your pod and absorb this.
86%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 9 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |