Leeds-based
Matt Robson - aka Random Number - describes his music
as ‘northern wrongbeat’. From the very first
moments of Troubled Moves, the opening track on Golden
Acre Sleeps, it is very clear that Robson is not
interested in straightforward rhythm sequences. This
is the one constant on an album which showcases a mix
of styles. At times, a melody takes over, as in Autumn
Shine with its insistent, driving piano or In
Distant, a track awash with ambient waves. Each
time however the action is ultimately subsumed by Robson’s
signature crunching beats. Elsewhere, Sleep,
one of the album’s stand out tracks, is about
as somniferous as a pneumatic drill, with a hyperactive
rhythm section which finally gives way to a skittering
melody and a dub-heavy bassline.
Throughout there are pointers to Robson’s influences,
for example in the clicks and cuts styling of Galleries
- reminiscent of Monolake - and on Non-Port
where a beautifully understated melody shines out briefly
before by an Autechre-esque
barrage of beats takes over.
While there really are some beautiful moments, taken
as a whole, the album lacks a sense of unity or resolution.
Too often tracks simply drift, leaving the listener
somewhat disengaged from the music. The title track
for example is melodically very strong but lacks any
real cutting edge. Similarly in album closer, We’ll
Let the Idea Sleep, But We Won’t Let It Die,
the influence of Autechre
is most apparent where crunching beats compete with
a melancholic, mournful melody. Ultimately however the
track lacks the pure punch and emotional engagement
that Autechre at
their best deliver. This is of course a very high yardstick
to use as a comparison. While Matt Robson may not be
in the same league as Autechre,
this album does show promise that there is a lot more
to come.
Coming on the back of last year’s excellent releases
from The Marcia Blaine School For Girls and The
Village Orchestra, Golden Acre Sleeps is
more evidence of the growing strength of the Highpoint
Lowlife label. With a number of limited edition vinyl
releases planned for the coming year – kicking
off next month with a new 10” mini-album from
Fisk Industries – the future looks very bright
indeed for the label.
Stuart Aitken
3/5 |
