Hans Van Eck - BassBox [Album]

Audiobulb Recordings

September 17, 2009, 02:55 PM

Views: 239   Comments: 1

Buy Hans Van Eck - BassBox [Album] From Amazon.com

“Audiobulb “are a Sheffield based exploratory electronic record label that is home to some of the finest purveyors of all things experimental. “Works supported by Audiobulb often explore the interface between the electronic and natural world. We embrace the complexity of unique electronics, intricate acoustics and detailed microsound.”

To be honest, in this day and age I will applaud any artists that will try and explore new realms of sound and rhythm. These artists stick true to their ideas, that are born from imagination and invention, without trying to pigeon hole their sound into genres or even worse - trends and fashions.

Hans van Eck is a collaboration between the Schreck Ensemble (as yet I have not discovered if they are in any way related to the cartoon character) and sound artist / instrument designer “Hans van Koolwijk” (I have not discovered, as yet, the wig maker either). The idea is that large bass speakers are placed inside a “BassBox” which is a cabinet with only two small holes for letting the air escape. These holes are placed in close proximity to flutes, so that the vibrations from the speakers cause the flutes to play, and it is these noises that are recorded.

From reading this it is probably quite difficult to imagine what the album actually sounds like. Well it is a mixture of heart arresting tractor like drones and throbs like on Track One 'Deep Roll,' to the delicate and complex rhythmic melodies heard on Track Three 'House.'

“BassBox” is never going to appeal to a mass market, but that was never the point. The experimental music collective is seen as a method of creating sound that is not only new and distinct but also a sound that has a life of its own. The creators of “Bassbox” are certainly able to have slight control over what the overall song sounds like, but I am sure that it is never what they originally completely intended. This means that the music almost has a life of its own. A structure that is in harmony with the natural world and a meaning that is very hard to decipher, yet alone understand.
In the music spectrum there is definitely a place for this sort of “experiment”. Audiobulb Records see and hear a depth to this type of music that many will not understand.

On “BassBox” there are glimpses as to why and how this music can be so effective. Intricate flute melodies that seem to build up on themselves, outlining a driving yet underlying subtle melody which drowns the listener in delicate, yet complex structures like those in evidence on 'House' and Track Seven 'Shaken Rhythm.'

When the BassBoxes are used to create the kind of low frequency drones that make you want to visit the bathroom, I personally, am not so sure. 'Deep Roll' and Track Two 'Scintillating' are not exactly musical, but remain effective. Fans of “Noise” and “Drone” music will certainly be interested, and taking into account that there is little or no “post-recording” production, bar amplification, the noises and sound-scapes are highly interesting, if not overtly musical.

All in all, I applaud Hans van Eck’s enthusiasm, imagination and drive. Hans van Eck have stayed true to their ideas and never veered from their distinct path and that in today’s fickle world, must be applauded.

Saturday evening pre party listening though, this is decidedly not.

#1 | Subscribe | Send to Friend | Print | Discipline | Report