By over-complexity, I mean random bleeps and bloops, which can only be appreciated on a completely intellectual level, for their technical mastery and/or experimental, conceptual vision. They often make me feel dizzy and irritated, and I am left wondering why I am blasting a “soundscape” (as it often lacks melody, and musical cohesiveness) through my beat-up ear buds.
On the other hand, over-simplifying can sound like unskilful looping of cheesy, played-out drum beats and melodies that sound like they were “composed” in about 5 minutes, yet inexplicably last for 12 painful minutes.
Thankfully, Test Shot Starfish’s self-titled full-length debut rides the fine line between the two pitfalls. Producers Kyle Schember and Ryan Stuit, whose credits include remixes for Snoop Dog and Coldplay, are masters of the electronic soundscape, utilizing cold, harsh, bit-crushed samples as well as hilarious human voice samples and other organic elements. The sequencing is amazing, random yet with a rare cohesiveness that keeps you from going crazy. The duo has obviously been a student of Aphex Twin’s mad vision, and Plaid’s haunting synthesiser work.
From the album’s opening sounds on “souvenirs”, through the measured chaos of “ B Plan” and steady grooves of “Giants” and “In Color”, to the drum ‘n bass-influenced album closer “Polaris”, Test Shot Starfish provides for a very interesting and enjoyable listen.
Very recommended for fans of Plaid, Square Pusher, Orbital, and Boards of Canada.
Favourite tracks: “Giants” and “B Plan”.
