Search - Jason Treuting, So Percussion :: Amid the Noise [includes DVD]

So's Done It Again

David W. Madeira | Nashville, TN USA | 10/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First, they brought to life a modern masterpiece by David Lang. Then, they revitalized a classic of the avant-garde concert hall with Steve Reich's "Drumming." Now, So Percussion proves they can stand on their own 8 feet by writing, engineering, and producing their own original work, "Amid the Noise."



The result must be heard to be believed. What it is, is a brilliant fusion of acoustic instruments with electronic processing. Metallic keyboard instruments ring out long overtones in wide intervals and tonal clusters, bowed vibes sing out haunting incantations, and yes, electronica fans, there are beats. Sick beats.



SO pulls from a wide range of influences here, but the end result is truly their own. There are moments of ethereal soundscapes reminiscent of Noel Akchote's "Rien," or more familiarly, the work of Brian Eno. Unobtrustive but energetic microbeats bear semblance to Bjork's "Vespertine," undoubtedly due to SO's recent affiliation with Matmos. The longest track, "Go," opens with frenetic, repetitive melodic fragments in fits and starts, harkening back to "Cheating, Lying, Stealing" by David Lang, a seminal figure in the group's career.



Regardless of influence, this album is truly unique, and of the utmost in creativity, musicianship, and production quality. What astounds me is these relatively young artists' ability to tastefully avoid cliche. Though this album is very electronica-inspired, the use of breakbeat is done sparingly, appropriately, and creatively. You're not going to hear every track bogged down with some cheap, lab-produced beat. The beats are performed live, and are tastefully syncopated, avoiding the easy 4/4 pattern with creative assymetrical meters.



To further whet your appetite, the CD comes packaged with a DVD of minimalist video footage set to the music. Nothing spectacular, but it doesn't try to be. Instead, it aptly conveys the artistic message behind "Amid the Noise." This is not the music of concert halls and Ticketmaster, this is not radio candy or video trash -- it's the music of everyday life, the sounds that accompany existence. It's the kind of soundscape that makes you stop, look, and listen to what's going on around you, "amid the noise.""