review

Boomkat

Review of original Important Records CD version of 'Basilica'

Please note 'Basilica Origins (Deluxe) does not include the remixes referenced here

A wonderful collection of remixes and live recordings from the Rameses III camp, conveniently divided between two discs offering two very different listening experiences. The Basilica set features remixes by Robert Horton, Keith Berry, Gregg Kowalsky and Astral Social Club, all of which somehow feel like they've been undertaken with the same goal in mind. The steady, profound ambience of these works could hardly be more immersive, with Digitalis regular and Tom Carter collaborator Horton introducing a subtle ebullience, laying down major key experiments as an introductory composition. Next comes Keith Berry, an artist who began his career recording for Bernhard Gunter's Trente Oiseaux label and his since gone on to compose such widely acclaimed microsound works as The Ear That Was Sold To A Fish (a beautiful album, but one that came packaged in fresh tea leaves, meaning period of fairly intense dusting was necessary every time you wanted to play the thing). In his reinterpretation of the title track Berry occupies an intense stillness, like a cascade of subtly modulating cold liquid drone. Gregg Kowalsky's treatment of 'Rose Blood' is rather more extroverted, tackling his source material in an almost celebratory fashion, with overtones in the background sounding like church bells. Neil Campbell is less upbeat on his 'Tigers In The Snake Pit' reinterpretation, allowing more aggressive dissonant sounds into the mix. Between the four re-compositions on the disc there's plenty of variety and quality on offer to justify a purchase in its own right, but given the addition of the second, live disc, Origins - offering the rawest possible perspective on the haunting Rameses III sound - there's an abundance of material to make this release worthy of your investigation.


Saturday 1 March 2008