94 Diskont

Album Review

94 Diskont is undoubtedly a standout in the field of electronically advanced, glitch-heavy music. In addition to having clear resonance with those primarily interested in process, this record resides in an autonomous and highly aesthetic sonic universe, where bits of production and granulated noise easily melt into warm, repetitive arrangements. 94 Diskont was made with a lot of productive mediation and gadgetry, but the seams don't show. The textures are thick and the melodies are challenging, nowhere more so than on the epic opening track "Do While." At 24 minutes, Oval take their time, but this is deep listening, and anything shorter just wouldn't do. A distant and fractured bell sound competes with a decaying, four-note organ swell for the majority of the song, while clicks and unidentified manipulations make their way in and out of the mix. Rhythm and melody emerge from unexpected places. What you initially take to be white noise settles into an odd but discernible pattern. The clicks between a skipping CD become an essential part of "Shop in Store." But perhaps even more impressive is when rhythm and melody barely emerge at all. The uncommon range of 94 Diskont is indeed one of its most powerful qualities.