Gantz Graf

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An ever evolving Autechre sound has often led listeners into atmospheres layered with abrasive rhythms, sparse melodies, and ambient underpinnings. Last year’s curveball departure, ‘Confield,’ effectively replaced the usual myriad of competing sonic elements with cacophonous rhythms seemingly void of coherence, semblance, or groove. Confield’s minimal chaos left many fans confused about where AE were headed sonically. This year Booth and Brown have disclosed ‘Gantz Graf,’ a 3-track indication of where they may be leading the collective effort of Autechre. For the discerning shopper ‘Gantz Graf’ may be more than meets the eye, as the 3 song ep can be coupled with a 3 video DVD including videos for Gantz Graf, and older tunes Bass Cadet and Second Bad Vibel. The musical elements of ‘Gantz Graf’ are again varied, but like ‘Confield’ harsh electronics and chaotic rhythms are a prime focus. The EP starts severe and either progresses or degenerates (depending on how the listener interprets the struggle between chaos and structure, melody and madness, harmony and havoc.)

'Gantz Graf'
Gantz Graf represents the harshest track on the EP, similar to Confield in its lack of melody or structure. However, the rhythmic severity of this track supersedes all previous material. It is a true challenge to acknowledge the existence of ‘musical’ composition in this daunting track. For the wise consumer who purchases the DVD, Alexander Rutterford’s animated video, artistically amazing in its own right, becomes a useful contrivance to recognize arrangement in the music, as patterns emerge, elements are distinguished, and some level of semblance may be achieved by the listener.

'Dial'
Robotic beats and high frequency rhythmic click-pops are the driving force behind the warped keyboard flailings and similarly processed vocals of Dial. The tune dissolves into a repetitive weave of squeaks, clicks, and the pounding out of a minimally phrased chord progression; a bizarre ending out of which evolves a most melodically promising third and final track…

'Cap IV'
Cap IV initiates from the mild cacophony of the previous track. A swirling processed vocal surfaces and leads us through bubbling-squeaking-percussions atop evolving keyboards that provide a much needed harmonious refuge. The keyboard phrasings are so desirable and so effectively accentuate the lines between chaotic and lucid, you may overlook the advancing cacophony of rhythms – rhythms that refuse to be ignored, finally disintegrating into a furious distorted frenzy.

Although the melodic elements of Gantz Graf are invariably overcome by AE’s cadenced harshness, it is nice to see variation return to their sound. In a mere 3 tracks, ‘Gantz Graf’ effectively demonstrates how the most unlikely sonic elements can compete for recognition in the most eccentric sound colleges.

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