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Reviews

David Bagsby — Syllogisms
(Esotericity ESTCD24, 2005, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2006-05-01

Syllogisms Cover art

“I don’t think, therefore I am not.” Bagsby has long been a master of unpredictability and eccentric works that fit squarely into no categories, and his latest, Syllogisms, is no exception. This collection of 18 mostly short pieces is a madman’s workshop for programmed electronic compositions with a philosophical twist, most of which would be nearly impossible work for a conventional ensemble due to the quirky rhythms, odd structures, and hairpin changes that can instantly transition from jagged cerebral abstractions to pleasant impressionistic melodic fare. Things change around enough from one track to the next that the journey never gets boring or samey, and enough of these pieces are weird enough that there’s always something to engage the mind and imagination, with surprises coming around every turn. Vocals are occasional and incidental at best, although one short cut composed entirely of snippets of vocal samples is one of the disc’s highlights. This is certainly one of those discs that gets more interesting – drawing the listener further in with each subsequent listen.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 33, 2005 releases

Related artist(s): David Bagsby / Xen

 

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