Member:
avestin
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by avestin)
Date:
2/7/2008
Format:
CD (Album)
So, what have we here? samplings, screaming (in the Screamo vein), guitar screeching, loose track structure, weird and eerie atmosphere… all that one needs to have to truly deserve the experimental tag. The word noise might also come to mind, but I’ve heard much more “noise-y” music with much less substance or simply more explorative. However distracted or aimless this might sound, there is movement and goal in here. While I’m not particularly turned on by the screaming, the “music” itself is interesting for me to follow, especially as in the last year I’ve been delving into the avant-garde, n-oise-rock and noise styles, looking for those that challenge ones ears. The Hollow Grail definitely manages to challenge the listener and I can imagine a lot of listeners running away from this with baffled look in their eyes, asking themselves “why did I put my ears and brain through such an experience?”.
However for those of you who are used to this sort of style, familiar with its intricacies or simply would like to have a go at it, you’ll find some interesting ideas being “thrown” at you loudly (the screaming and screeching parts) or others that are put gently at your “doorstep” waiting for you to perceive them (the more subtle, amorphic and silent parts). This is an affair where there is a continuous flow of music/sounds, with no breaks between tracks.
With this release, R.A.I.G show how far they are willing to go with their repertoire which already consists of experimental and non-conventional bands (in a good way). However, James Won James’ album, The Hollow Grail, is another step in the direction of going further into the realms of the odd, the hard to digest and the borderline between plain noise and music.
This album is not one to put up for passive listening. It is not an album to enjoy. Like may albums I listen to, this is an album to experience, to absorb, to actively look for its hidden layers, its disguised motifs and concealed musicality. Close inspection by focused listening is demanded from the listener, otherwise there’s not much point in putting this on (unless you like this as a sort of background music). Concentrate and find in each track its musical or noise-y idea/s, isolate the different ingredients in the seemingly chaotic situation heard to understand what is going on; only then can a better appreciation and even enjoyment can be achieved.
As for recommending this album, it depends on what you want from your music. If it’s fun, accessibility or clarity then this is definitely something to avoid. However, if challenge in music is something you like and the above mentioned styles are your bread and butter, then having a bite may very well satisfy you.
I for one enjoy their crafting of the noise/music, and compared with others from this style it does deliver more than a few good moments (and others less so). There is some genuine originality and sophistication in some of the music I heard here (track 6 for example, “Disintegration Of A Unit”). It is these particular moments that make me realize their talent, and hope for them to expand on those particular paths and look forward to more from them. On the other hand, other parts are somewhat senseless and perhaps expendable.
In summary, a good and interesting listening experience. Brace yourself; it’s a long ride.
To understand more about WJW and their music, I suggest reading about them in their Myspace and in their band page of their label, R.A.I.G.
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