Noisepoetnobody/Cathartech – Split C40

Self Released

This is a split tape between what I’m guessing is two modular synth based projects. Clocking in at about 20 minutes each side and employing simple packaging with blotted artwork on the cover it’s minimal and abstract.

Noisepoetnobody is up first with several minimal synth tracks. Drones and plodding rhythmic synth elements mark the basis of these 3 tracks. I would say there are about 2-3 layers for each track which keeps things very basic and doesn’t really call for multiple listens. The style of these tracks lies somewhere between Daniel Menche and Pulse Emitter but Noisepoetnobody doesn’t reach the catharsis of Menche and lacks the meditative qualities of Pulse Emitter.

Cathartec’s side features merely one long track entitled The Electric Tuvan. Once again the sound source must be a modular synthesizer and this is another minimal track of slow building and undulating with less rhythmic and spastic percussive elements than that of Noisepoetnobody. There are even less layers here and the general sound is one of mid-range droning with white noise wisps, almost no bass frequencies are represented. As the track goes on, the reverberation – ever so slowly – increases creating new harmonics but still never reaching a point that varies in a significant way. Eventually there arrives some echoing bell-like sounds which offer a much needed respite from the monotonous tones. By the end things have evolved into an organ like tone with alternating frequencies but there still isn’t much to be had in the low-end which feels sorely lacking. The payoff in The Electric Tuvan is finally when there are several harmonic layers alternating along with buried bird ambience, a construction that brings to mind the works of Tribes of Neurot. I do enjoy this part of the track I just think it takes way too long to get here and then when it’s here nothing really is done with it.

This split definitely shows hope for both artists but also shows that they have a long way to go in reaching their full potential. I’d imagine the tape will appeal more to modular synth fans, but I also feel like maybe the artists are being held back by the medium.

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