Cédric Stevens was making the synth music being made in the present way back in Yesterday’s Chimes (Unreleased S.E.L. 97-99). That’s the only conclusion one can come to after hearing the modular motives of just about every synthetic track on this compilation. Most surprising is the pounding, quasi-DJ Shadow drums of “The Eerie,” which sound-date the material just a bit yet offer a less obtrusive take on solo-electronic composition, one with fewer self-imposed boundaries and the potential to break through the coldwave/drone coma so many are in (though I admit it feels great to be sedated in that way, too). The synth sweeps become huge waves of current and sweep over the drums before the number is through, shining through brightly even on the oft-unreliable cassette format. Even more rewarding are the slow-drip, icy climes that follow, held together by nothing but a spare bass-throb pattern and stained-glass synth tinkles. If you’ve been following Stevens or his Discrepant label, you know to expect a certain diligence from the material. You won’t be let down here. See also: Syncopated Elevators Legacy.
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