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Reviews

Radio Massacre International — Borrowed Atoms
(Centaur Discs CENCD 025, 1998, 2CD)

by Phil Derby, Published 2000-05-01

Borrowed Atoms Cover art

If you like Berlin school 1970s electronics, then this 2CD set is an absolute must-have. It is a feast of scorching sequencers and synthesizers, laced with searing guitars over lots of cool outer space drifting. Beginning with the abstract “Plastered in Paris,” real voice samples of manned space missions echo with sonic drifts of time and mind. Dramatic synth strings play over tinkling metallic percussion. Guitars wail plaintively here and there. Though the first song is nearly devoid of sequencers, they emerge at breakneck pace in “Rite of Spring,” in a burst of rapid-fire staccato notes throughout. The title track is replete with excellent sequencing, beautiful Mellotron string leads, and just enough changes here and there to keep it interesting while maintaining a hypnotic trance. “Horizon” is very similar to “Borrowed Atoms,” but no less enjoyable in its exploration of familiar terrain. Disc two brings more of the same, possibly surpassing the first. “Build” does just that, ever so slowly, perfectly, over 30 minutes. The sequence that starts in the eighth minute is lovely, and the one that comes to the forefront in the twelfth minute is at least as good. The sequences not only build, they dance around each other, playfully teasing as the intensity gradually increases throughout. “Blakey Ridge” is 20 minutes of hauntingly mesmerizing ambience, swirling into the murky depths. “30 Years” finishes the album with a flourish, the band mentioning in the entertaining liner notes that this was their personal favorite. Highly recommended.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 19, 1998 releases

Related artist(s): Radio Massacre International

 

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