Download "Effector" Subconscious Communications / Nettwerk 0 6700 30159 2 9 2000 (46:06)

Carrier Tone (4:02)
Muscaria (5:09)
Vagator (6:12)
Ego Dissolve (5:31)
The Guide (5:27)
Chrysanthemlum (5:03)
Ayahuasca (3:55)
Two Worlds Collide (6:44)
Affirmed (4:03)

Has it been 3 years since "III" already?  The Download duo of cEvin Key and Phil Western finally return - 2 EPs and a tour having never come to fruition - with 46 minutes of new material.  3 years ... 46 minutes?  "Effector" is a close relative to last year's platEAU album "spacEcakE", the differences between the two projects having considerably narrowed (save for some vocals and ambient pieces on the latter) as both meld similar layers of beats, samples, synths and atmospheres into meandering journeys for the ganja minded.  This album builds upon the minimal techno sound of "III" by adding more layers and more prominent organic and electronic beats, though not as aggressive as those found on "The Eyes of Stanley Pain", for a beefier techno vibe.  This is pleasant, mostly grit-free, head noddin', electronic mood music.  Some outstanding elements of certain tracks:  the Eastern sound and feel of "Muscaria", the up front percussive attack of "Vagator", the erratic rthymic intro of "Ego Dissolve", the hand clap electro-funk of "Chrysanthemlum" and the rapid fire fuzzy synth riff in "Two Worlds Collide".  The most remarkable quality of "Effector" is how unremarkable it is.  It gives me much the same feeling "III" did, only more so ... no real 'standout' tracks, good overall but certainly not as interesting, impressionable and groundbreaking as the first two albums.  I enjoy it while listening to it, but after it's over nothing much remains in my memory banks and I feel like I ended up right back where I started.  Seems like something's missing.  Dwayne Goettel?  Vocals?  I don't know.  One definition of the word 'effector' is 'a bodily organ that becomes active in response to stimulation'.  "Effector" fails to stimulate me as much as I hoped it would.  Oh well.  I'll still be present if the long promised Subconscious mega tour actually happens next year ...

Download at Subconscious Communications
Litany:  Scott's Music News Covering Skinny Puppy, Download, etc.

Where did I get this cd? - mail order via CD World.

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