|
I first encountered James McDougall's work just prior to his release 'Distal' on Testube. In retrospect, 'Distal' posessed an amazing sense of sound character that, to me, seemed more derived from a synthesis-based approach. This is where the works found on 'Sub Routine' seem to deviate from what McDougall has done previously. 'Sub Routine' may be characterized as much more orgainic in it's overall presence. Given this, these compositions are rich with sounds taken from field recordings; some of which distinguish themselves as being untreated, while others appear to have been processed in some way or another. In a global sense, this release exhibits the use of dense textures and drones amidst a a sea of interchanging passages and movements. Furthermore, this particular series of recordings is well patterned, and tends to deliver an exceedingly crisp relay of subtle moments, lifting themselves from the murky substrate of the compact atmospheres that McDougall so skillfully weaves. Highly recommended. |
|
|
and 