Autechre - Confield (Warp. 2001)

'..This release, was for many who have followed Autechre in the past, a very difficult set of music to listen to. As such, it has received less than stellar reviews from listeners and writers alike. Admittadly, on the surface it is a convoluted barrage of electronic warfare. Some say it lacks soul, others say it lacks coherancy to the point of being sonic gibberish.

Underneath the surface, far beneath, lies nine tracks that once mentally mined will reward the listener with an astounding conception. To me, the theme of this release could best be described in a few words: Making Sounds without Sounds. It is a well known concept that the brain, when given a set of harmonics missing key sections, will construct the missing sections within the head, even if the sounds never existed in the first place. This has been used throughout history. The Gregorian monks would use it, and echoes, to make a group of four singers sound like six or eight.

The first half of Confield expores this concept with subtle and efficient grace. In some cases harmonies weave into existence from nothing. Slowly building into a crescendo. On the other hand, others start with a defined sound, and it slowly breaks apart into cacophony. If you concentrate on the music at all levels, you can hear it happen -- if you let it flow through you, it is as if the sounds construct themselves in your subconscious.

The rest of the songs are equally interesting to me. Some, like Uviol, sound like slumbering machines in a factory far off. Or the delicate opening track, a sordid combination of wind chimes and long gone days.

In short, it is a release that goes places their other material does not..'

enjoy and judge it for yourselves..