Review: Sense - Fourier Transformations (AI)

[Rowland Atkinson <r.atkinson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sense - Fourier Transformations EP (Aural Industries)

Among the mass of Autechre-wannabes and land of glitch, cut and paste its 
often difficult to choose a satisfying course through the music currently on 
offer. Among the glittering gems of the past few years has been one of only 
two cd releases on the promising Australian Aural Industries label. Thug's 
Isolated Rhythm Chock filled music lists with new ideas and praise for a 
fascinating blend of IDM suffused with a rich ambient undertow. Sense's 
Fourier Transformations EP comes in a sleek jewel case with blurred 
classical iconic artwork and, while I call it an EP, it actually clocks in 
at roughly 70 mins. The six tracks range in their styles but predominantly 
draw on the warmth of the emerging Defocus sound with analogue ambience, 
chattering beats and an emotive edge which deeply appeals to these jaded 
ears. The stand out track here is Advance. It is difficult to listen to this 
loudly enough, a jumping bassline is overlaid with a hugely catchy and 
complex refrain that simply shimmers between the speakers before slowly 
melting away. On 'Ear of the Be hearer' comparisons with CiM's Commuter love 
or the echoing digitality of Arovane's work would seem to be confirmed. This 
is not surprising given Sense's connections with the likes of Lackluster (a 
remix on R U Oho? 12", DeFocus, foc354 ). Overall, the lively and uplifting 
qualities of these fresh tracks is bound to bring joy to those who found new 
listening arenas in Thug's work or the emerging musical antidote, in such 
labels as Defocus or Delsin, to bland technologically driven outfits. At 
some point Ill have to listen to something else this week but when it is 
this good why bother? For me this release confirms the future role of AI; as 
a label with presence and one providing sonically satisfying releases with 
an enduring appeal. Check it out, you know it makes Sense,

rA



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