Mystery is often inherent with tape labels. It would seem at
least double that for those issuing
very limited edition electronic music tapes. This one certainly
falls in line in this respect. A Google search of label Hyle Tapes took me to a
one page website which in turn led me to
Facebook and Bandcamp pages. Nothing unusual with that, except nowhere
did I learn anything more about African Ghost Valley than the tape itself
offered-which was next to nothing.
So, let the music speak for itself. I'm all for that and sat down
to initiate repeated listenings to the four tracks that comprise the offering.
I was pleasantly surprised. Pure electronics with a healthy dose of effects
enlighten "songs" like "Dunesl Ceremonies" and the title
cut. Stylistically, it is clearly cohesive and the music blends well from track
to track. An added perc is the quality of the production itself. This tape is
very well recorded and sounds great both through my system and headphones.
Flipping the tape brought the real gem here. "Always Eat
What You Kill" consumes all of the B side and is a provocative and
sometimes challenging listen. The best electronic music serves to do more than
provide background drone, which if poorly done it can easily become. This tape
and particularly this cut provide everything this genre can hope for. This is,
in a nutshell, excellent stuff.
I would be curious to hear a full length album from this outfit,
and for that matter, more of the releases from Paris-based Hyle Tapes.
-- Bob Zilli
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