| Wait a minute - Fisk Industries (Mat Ranson) has it backward! Conventional practice dictates that you're supposed to release at least one full length recording, if not several, before releasing an odds and ends compilation. Happily, EPs and Rarities breaks the mold in more than one way, cohering as a much stronger musical statement than most compilation projects and putting us on notice that Fisk Industries is an indie electronica force with which to be reckoned. The double disc collection features material from 2003-6 and displays an approach that combines IDM, minimal electronica, and even aspects of glitch. At its most affecting, on "The Way We Found Each Other," Ranson's work inhabits a more humanistic space reminiscent of the warmth and nuanced approach of artists such as DNTEL and Boards of Canada. At other times, the process-based elements of Ranson's sound come to the fore, as on "Variant of Option A." "We Saw Orion" and "Isle of Wight" happily inhabit an intriguing space between these two approaches. Like the aforementioned artists, Ranson has a talent for uniting dualities, combining analog and digital, incisive rhythms and lush textures, and a formidable intellect with sensuous execution. Call me old-fashioned, but I look forward to a fully realized album (okay CD) length effort from Fisk Industries in the future - hopefully not in vain! - Great Hoboes Of New York |
2XLP/Out Of Print