AudioMicroDevice is the first album by Chris
Leary, aka Ochre. Leary started working on this project
at the beginning of 2000, while experimenting with orchestral
arrangements, synths and breakbeat. Aged 22, Leary,
from Birmingham, is currently studying for music degree
in Newcastle.
On AudioMicroDevice, Leary encompasses two
of the most contradictory elements found in electronic
music. Assembling complex, abrasive, beat structures
as foundation to his compositions, he then superimposes
delicate evolving melodies, positioning his music as
a missing link between the architectural intricacy of
the likes of Autechre
or Aphex Twin, and
the more melodic approach by Plaid
or Boards Of Canada. The
first five tracks of AudioMicroDevice work
on a similar perspective, extracting disarmingly simple
melodies from chaotic rhythmic patterns. Low Grav
Freefall opens the album with a tiny electric piano
line, before an uncompromising breakbeat-style pattern
kicks in to punctuate the atmospheric elements. The
track develops in the cleverest way, before ending as
it started, almost, with serene waves of analogue sounds.
Children Playing With Lego and Render
follows pretty much the same idea, although the later
one displays a simpler, more accessible beat construction
mode. Reverse Engineering slowly builds up
from early glitches and waves to accommodate a bouncing
drum configuration. Here, the relationship between melody
and rhythm is far more intricate, as both elements react
closely to each other. A magnificent piece of computer
trickery, Reverse Engineering is amongst the
most accomplished moments of this album. Dark and introvert,
Lachryma offers a slightly different side of
Leary’s musical abilities. The man takes a melodious
piano line and develops around it some dense ambience,
before reverting to the original tune. The audacious
reshaping of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata is,
if anything else, a humorous take on this classic. The
interpretation is unfortunately too constrained to really
work. Leary then goes on to explore hypnotic configurations
(Kaleidoscape), cheap analogue symphonic electro
(the under-produced Neverminded), and electronic
romanticism (System Failure). The album concludes
with the evocative High Altitude Mix of Low Grav
Freefall, which sees the opening track get a sensitive
reworking, a beta version of Reverse Engineering,
and Esign, a cinematic moment of pure chilled-trance
sound whirlwind.
If AudioMicroDevice reveals, at time, the lack
of maturity of the compositions and the little experience
in production, it also introduces Ochre as an act with
attitude and personality. Chris Leary approaches his
music from an unusual angle, making this album a refreshing
listening experience.
4/5 |
