EXILLON

EXILLON - THE KEENING DITHERS (CD by Ad Noiseam)_Another exciting release from Berlin-based label "Ad Noiseam". This latest album from the label comes from San Francisco-based sound-artist Jay Fields a.k.a. Exillon. Being his second opus this new album titled "The keening dithers" contains the most emotional expression from the IDM-based artist. Opening smoothly with two tracks of tranquillizing chill-out electronica based on processed piano reminiscent of early avantgarde classical, the expression turns more dramatic and threatening from third track forward. "Termit" (track three) is the track that introduces the IDM-based breakbeat-texture that is the characterizing element of Exillon. Musically Exillon combines the technoid and atmospheric Industrial-sound similar to Welsh duo Somatic Responses with complex rhythm-textures and melodic moments based on processed sounds of acoustic instruments such as the aforementioned piano and gentle guitar-strums. The multi-facetted electronic work is decorated with a bunch of voice-samples giving a nice variation to the full-throttle energetic instrumental tracks. A very pleasant album with plenty of quality for repetitive listening. Vital Weekly, http://www.vitalweekly.net/510.html

Following releases on Zod and Component Records for his Exillon, The Keening Dithers signifies a notable emotional and stylistic advance for Jay Fields. Par for the dark electronics genre, the album includes its share of hammering doomscapes (Termit) and intricate glitchfests (Jan, Kollipy) but promising new directions declare themselves, too. Ignore the rather woeful title Moonlight Sinatra and instead revel in the classical sonata-styled piano playing that is the songs moody core. Perhaps its the infusion of collaborative blood that partially explains the albums broad sound. Certainly, Aliasing, the outing with 5 Minute Project, brings forth an affecting melancholy dimension, while Fields throwdown with Mad E.P. (Dtofv3) and acid overhaul of Meat Beat Manifestos Horn of Jericho prompt spasmodic seizures.

Elsewhere, placid synth melodies brighten complex rhythmic patter in the almost symphonic Cadi and laconic hip-hop beats shuffle through the Terminal11 collab Now Youll Never Know. Though such moments surprise, the albums coup de grace is the ultra-submersive closer Sfx02, a 13-minute, Ligetiesque space drone that ultimately expires in symphonic splendor. That this refreshingly unpredictable collection should close with such an arresting flourish is quite appropriate.