This split tape (limited edition of 50) offers Amalgamated on one
side and Odd Person on the flip. Pressing play welcomed me to "bending the
last blind leg", which consumes the entire Amalgamated side. My initial
impression of Yoko Ono fronting The Beatles hodgepodge track "Revolution
No. 9" held firm throughout with a barrage of whimpers and sound effects
done in a more interesting way than perhaps I've suggested by comparison.
As it turns out, Amalgamated is a collective (4-5 members) of
experimental artists who record live performance and then edit and
"post-process" to create what we have here. An interesting and
imaginative electronic based effort that I found stimulating enough to warrant
listens to future works.
The reverse is titled "nebaj.cotzal.chajul" by the
mysterious Odd Person of which I came up empty handed in my attempts to further
identify the artist(s). The performance consists of rhythmic patterns akin to
taping on a live microphone (sound check?) that graduate to increasing
repetitions and then transform into buzzing noises, all while maintaining some
sense of pattern. Like the Amalgamated side, it is done in an intriguing
manner. Unlike side A, however, I don't need to ever hear this again.
The tape is release number nineteen on this experimental music
label and purports to be the first of eight releases featuring these two
artists. I would recommend it solely for the Amalgamated side to those inclined
toward this type of art/music.
-Bob Zilli