Genre: Noise/ Ambient /Experimental

01 Stress recording of distress
02 Minidisc failure
03 Highspeed pulse deterioration
04 The Death of PA
05 The sound of failure
06 Connections
07 Broken Cassette Recorder
08 Alternate attempt of ending
 

Usually reviewing noise can be trying. Noise can end up sounding quite anonymous if it's not done well and the experience can be tedious – at best, and annoying at worst. "Connections, Opportunities for Mistakes" however is a breath of something very minty fresh into the coffee smelling noise landscape we all love.

From the very begining this promises to be an experience in old school analogue noise, and very ominous noise at that – however also very low key and ambient. The lengthy track builds slowly, utilizing sounds that seem culled from the world of electro accoustics. The sound makes me think of faulty insulation in electric circuits. It's a dangerous kind of goodness. And, as the press release informs us "'Connections, opportunities for mistakes' is based on the idea of recording what is not supposed to be: minidisc recording failures, the death of a PA system, electro-static background noises, broken cassete recorder etc..." Measured against this goal, the album is a complete success.

It is hardly surprising that Phroq is quite accomplished as a musician, and visual artist as well. Under his given name Francisco Meirino he has published a great deal of music, in addition to visual art of various types, since 1994. This dedication to art shines through and the concept behind the album is very consistent and perfectly executed. There is no doubt that one is actually listening to sounds of failing equipment.

As per the nature of the material the tracks vary in length, from the very short and interruptive "minidisc failure" to the meditative, and long, Stress recording of distress or Highspeed Pulse detorioration. This variation is consistent throughout the record, varying from abrupt to soothing. From slowly building to sudden and disturbing. None of the tracks are boring, not a sound is superfluous and everything is drenched in thick atmosphere. It's really impressive, considering the source material, how the compositions can sound so dynamic, moody and calming. While we are certainly deep inside noise land, there is nothing harsh or unpleasent about this piece. The few seconds of edgier sounds only serves to deepen the rest of the cd. The only drawback is that the tracks are hard to distinguish from each other, but this is a minor thing. The tracks are meant to set a mood, and the CD should be considered as a whole. The track markers are in fact somewhat redundant. I can't imagine listening to this cd without going through the whole thing, and as such it is hard to point to a single track that surpasses the others.

It's hard to sum up this cd as anything short of a master piece. Impressive, really impressive.