Heart & Soul Dissolves

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Officially credited to A.M.P. rather than Amp, only core member Richard performs any music on this release, with Karine credited for some vocals as well. While on the face of it the music isn't too terribly different from Amp, the strongest distinction is the lack of the crisp electronic percussion which appeared towards the end of Sirenes -- this is pure zone and drone through and through, with the echo and reverb turned up to high. Bass burbles provide rhythms at points, but otherwise ultraspookyblissout is the name of the game. The title track, which opens the release, is gorgeously evocative and subtle, with heavily processed guitar noise buried deep in the mix and soft clanging appearing in irregular patterns. "Heart and Soul Resolves" works with the same basic elements, but with more prominence to the bass notes than the guitars, while the clanging is more continuous throughout. The energy level rises in comparison -- everything is a little faster and more ominous, and when a buried percussion crunch that almost sounds like military fire starts emerging from the background, the intensity level ratchets up even higher (nicely offset by the sudden appearance of Karine's low, wordless vocals). The final, untitled track, actually the longest on the disc, further uses familiar elements from the two preceding numbers, with stretches of near-perfect minimalism balanced against the abstract intensity of the various bass and percussion combinations. At times, clear strumming actually surfaces, an unexpected (in context) development that works well. In all, a marvelous release that easily compares to any of the official Amp albums.

© Ned Raggett /TiVo