Style: Experimental Ambient, noise, field recordings
Primary Emotions/Themes: Feeling lost in a city with no point of reference
Thoughts: This was an album I picked up randomly from a local shop. It was in the clearance bin and was labeled ambinet, so I figured why not? Let's give it a shot.
I can definitively say that there is nothing else like this in my collection. While normally that is a good thing, I not as certain of this release.
Transit is a curious mix of field recordings, noise, and uncomfortable ambience. The combination sounds like a winning one on paper, but the execution here is a bit lacking. Instead of the ambience putting me into a tense state, I'm annoyed. Instead of the field recordings making me wonder what's going on, I'm wanting the sample to be over. Instead of the noise making me question my sanity, it makes me want to put the record away and never listen again.
The main problem here is that none of the elements that are designed to make the album inaccessible are compelling. There is a way to do this kind of music where the listener is appalled yet compelled to listen. Much like watching a train crash unfold before you, you can't look away. Here though it's as easy as changing the channel.
I'm a bit conflicted with getting rid of an album like this. On one level I feel like I should keep it. It's unique and I firmly believe that even if an album does not offer much for my enjoyment it should remain because of the very fact that it stands on its own. On the other hand, it's just so god damn annoying. I can't stand listening to it for even a couple of minutes before I want to put something better on. In this case, the primary rule of my collection wins: if I won't listen to it, it's gone. So adios.
Written May 6th 2024
No comments:
Post a Comment