Belgium and France are two of my favorite places on Earth, so it’s no
surprise that Dialog Tapes, an
intra-label compilation featuring “duets” by artists from both the Dauw and
Eilean Records stables, is a release whose excellence befits the home turf of
its labels. See, Dauw is based in Ghent, Belgium, and Eilean is based somewhere
in France, and each has really great taste in ambient/electroacoustic artists,
making for superb pairings on these tracks. I can only imagine the label heads
are equally good at pairing food and wine (or beer), because, you know, French
and Belgian food and drink are, like, some of the best on the planet. Trust me.
Speaking of delicacy – or is that delicateness? I never know if I’m
appropriately making up a word or just using it wrong – if there’s an adjective
to describe the composition and execution of this release, it’s absolutely delicate. There’s such a light touch
among the musicians that although each piece is a duet (across Internet space,
anyway), everything sounds singular, like the artists were in each other’s
heads while they were working separately. And each piece is absolutely gorgeous – see the opening lullaby “How
Does It Feel” by Stijn Hüwels and Danny Clay, or the magnificent use of voice
and brushed drums on “Alpine Carpet” by Ruhe and Twincities. Even the darker
takes, such as “Over Land (Left Behind)” by David Andree and Miguel Isaza, or
the heartbreaking renditions, like the string-heavy “Bloom and Fold,” which
closes side B, by The Humble Bee and Aaron Martin, are peaceful and
appropriate, never veering from intensity or focus.
I mention
mainly the Dauw version of this release here, because the Eilean half was
issued on compact disc, a format widely believed throughout the scientific
community to be the natural enemy of the cassette. Therefore, discussing it
here would have widely negative implications for everyone involved. However,
under threat of immediate reprisal and lengthy incarceration, I recommend to
you, my dear, dear readers and close spiritual friends, that you pick up the
Eilean half as well, as it is just as good. *Uniformed special forces break down basement door, place writer in
handcuffs, drag him up the stairs and into a waiting unmarked white van*
Ow, let go of me you bastards! You'll never silence me! Freedom and equality
for all formats! Don't weep for me readers, I'm still in your hearts! Ow, cut
it out ... Is that a box of donuts on the dash? Can I have one?
--Ryan Masteller