Album Details

• Artist: Cj Borosque, Robert M., Instagon,
• Album: Beautiful
• Label: Edgetone
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2008-05-10

A clash of sonic assaults abound on "Beautiful," where electronic noise makers Borosque and M (the latter using a desktop computer) and the band Instagon (a duo featuring bass, guitar, a self-playing turntable, metal objects percussion and keys). The result is a powerful, abrasive short set whose bursts and drones are hypnotic and oddly rhythmic.

"Beautiful" is itchy and scratchy, giving nods to rhythmic noise and to KK Null-esque electronic static. "Blackness of dark space or dances with wisdom," recorded live at Norcal Noisefest '06,

Changes tempo a bit, with waves of abrasive noise, industrial washes, like sticking your head into a gin mill. Slower sections recall the dying scene in "Rodan", complete with haunting screeches and cries. "luggage lost in the Dissatisfied machine," the final track, is a

slow, extended pulse that drifts uncomfortably for twenty minutes or so before beginning a long, noir-ish fadeout.

"Beautiful" is not for everyone, but it also isn't just for those who do find beauty in abrasive, cathartic noise. Its grinding, difficult message is that there are ways out of any hole, and most often they revolve just speaking up; even if screaming doesn't always work, you can still listen to your own voice to remind you that all is never lost.

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