Autoclav1.1- Broken Beats for Broken Hearts

ARTIST: Autoclav1.1
ALBUM: Broken Beats for Broken Hearts
LABEL: Hive Records
REVIEWER: Matthew J.
DATE: 6-23-08

Autoclav1.1's first remix album is a veritable who's who of the rhythmic noise scene's rising stars, but somehow each contributing artist is able to stay true to the spirit of the project's own uniquely sentimental vision. Even W.A.S.T.E. comes off as reserved, at least comparatively, with a mix of "This Is Untitled" that, though fast and hard, dials down the feedback and distortion, and ESA's remix of "All Unwired and Behind You," despite occasional bursts of high-BPM bass, achieves an ominous calm through the use of muffled choirs. Autoclav1.1's original work is remarkable less for specific sounds or rhythms than for its evocative moods, and that ephemeral sense of sweetness mixed with sorrow is best expressed in Keef Baker's remix of "Small Days," which sets soft treble tones and floating pianos to an airy breakbeat. Another interesting take on the same track is provided by DJ Hidden, whose mix evokes the sort of lonely ambient fog pioneered by Japan's David Sylvian and Can's Holger Czukay. The most surprising contribution, though, comes from Alter der Ruine. Best known for their aggressive and occasionally comedic brand of power noise, the Arizona group's take on "Nothing but Pillow Teeth" is nothing short of gorgeous, with moody ambient tones gradually giving way to choppier rhythms as underwater pianos offer up a sense of dreamlike melancholy. Unlike most remix CDs, this collection, despite a smattering of dance tracks, isn't really geared to club play, but anyone with an ear for the mellower side of experimental electronic music is apt to love this one. Rhythmic noise fans in particular will be surprised by the depth of feeling evoked by some of their favorite heavy acts; Autoclav1.1 creator Tony Young has already established his talent with his studio albums, but this gives his friends a chance to show off their own artistic range in unexpected ways.

Learn more at www.sentrymusic.com/autoclavhome.htm.