Electron Music
Waveshaper, 2020
8/10
A multi-instrumentalist with an ultra creative mind, Allen Ravenstine’s presence on synthesizer and saxophone was a key ingredient for the formula that made Pere Ubu such an influential outfit across so many decades.
Electron Music, the first of 4 releases collectively titled The Tyranny Of Fiction, sees Ravenstine building an electronic foundation, where world recordings, live instrumentation and samples all make for an exciting and unpredictable starting point.
“Far Go” starts the listen with a light haze of atmosphere before graceful keys and dreamy theremin make for a light setting, and “Going Upriver” follows with a darker buzzing of sci-fi like prowess that’s both ominous and mysterious.
Halfway through, ““Firefly” benefits from flowing string work that segues into very playful synth where a flurry of well timed noises make a big impression, while “110 In The Underpass” moves with a gentle, cinematic quality of reflective soundscapes. The EP exits with “5@28”, where thick waves of fuzz are met with strategic manipulation of space as the 9+ minutes twists and turns charmingly.
An effort that’s quite ambient while embracing chamber ideas amid the heavy use of synth, Ravenstine is in his 70’s now, and he brings a lifetime of experience and skill to this highly adventurous project.
Travels well with: Steady Circuits- … Of One Of Many Worlds; Lucie Vítková and James Ilgenfritz- Aging