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temporary contemporary

Are Repeat's sonic constructions music? Perhaps sculpture is a better term. Repeat uses a variety of electronic and percussive sources (drums, metals, samplers, a wide range of electronics and a no-input mixing board, which is a fascinating concept in itself) to build textures and gradually-evolving aural structures. Sometimes, as on "2", it seems as if these repetitive models are trying to mimic more mainstream musical forms, while at other times their growth is more organic, passing through a distinct series of phases in an artificial life cycle. This almost invariably turns out to be far more interesting than any description could imply, as is the case with the frenetic, gamelan-like rhythmic interplay of "3" or the looming, echoing tonal interactions of "6". Temporary Contemporary also makes surprisingly soothing listening once your initial paranoia diminishes. There's nothing in the way of familiar musical structure, but the disc's logical progression of activity is something the mind can easily process. You probably shouldn't shove Temporary Contemporary in the disc player during your next rush-hour commute, but it makes an unexpectedly good backdrop for reading or working -- perhaps its microcurrents of order will enhance your attentiveness.

Repeat
Temporary Contemporary
For4Ears
CD

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Review by George Zahora

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