Converter- Expansion Pack 2.0

Artist: Converter
CD Title: Expansion Pack 2.0
Label: Ant-Zen
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 7-9-05

Technically, this is the collection – the second in a series – of rarities, compilation tracks, remixes, and live material from Scott Sturgis’s prolific power noise project, but you might as well call it a “Greatest Hits” album. Between club favorites like “Domination” and more experimental soundscapes like “Invocation of Lilith,” these tracks cover the broad panorama of Sturgis’s work up to this point, from the quietest ambient fuzz to the loudest distorted rhythms. DJs have plenty to work with – “Witch Hunter (Hanged)” and “Stand Beside Him (Power)” are particularly dance-friendly examples of Converter’s signature harsh noise – but there’s plenty of more contemplative stuff, too. “Chainreaction” flavors distorted drones with studio glitches, while “See Beyond” evolves from eerie feedback into an echoing white noise that’s almost pleasant. “Fallen (LM)” on the other hand, is fast and frantic, but its complex jungle-tinged rhythm works better blowing minds and headphones than as a club track. The remixes here are diverse and brilliant as well. Tik’s remix of “Coma” is noisy but infectious, while Broken Fabiola, a Manufactura side project, delves into surprisingly soothing territory on the laid back “420 Elevators” mix of “Stand Beside Him.” Legendary harsh electronic act Sonar makes an appearance with a remix of “Order/Creature,” but it’s relative newcomer Databomb – the solo project of recent Skinny Puppy collaborator Dre Robinson – that makes the most memorable contribution, with a “Scorched” mix of “Offering” that manages to be clanking and rhythmic yet mellow and stony all at the same time. With thirty-one tracks spread over two seventy-minute CDs, this is essential listening for power noise fans, and there’s such a great variety of music here that it works both as a collector’s item for devoted fans and as an newcomer’s introduction to the project.

Visit www.ant-zen.com/converter for more information.