Originally released in super-limited quantities in 1995, this ambient techno gem from space cadets Dan Handrabur (Mere Mortals, Weed) and Phil Western (Download, Beehatch) has seen collector interest drive prices of original CDs to extremely high levels. With this in mind, Western has seen fit to re-release it (again in limited quantities, though) - while adding on an entire second disc of rare and unreleased works. Considering that the peak of this scene was well over a decade ago, one would assume that this sound would seem passe and dated by now. But to the contrary, Floatpoint's smooth electronic grooves are as cool and collected (and collectible) now as they were then. Splices of dub and tribal sounds filter through the duo's mellow beats and sequences, and all seems to blend together into a peaceful and soulful mode of escape. As in the rhythmic (yet chilled-out) 'Luna', Floatpoint creates spacious and warm grooves tailormade for home listening and reflection. The bonus disc includes some extended improvisations (some with friend Dwayne Goettel of Skinny Puppy fame), and unreleased cuts from the 'Beam Error' era, and these are of course in the same realm, if a little more indulgent in spots. Still, this is a gorgeous set worthy of more widespread attention and release. Close your eyes and drift away...
Todd Zachritz
Goatsden
The early 90s were a great time for ambient techno, with artists like The Orb, Aphex Twin, Orbital, and, yes, even Moby leading a movement that combined the drama of the dance floor with a deeper, more contemplative aesthetic that conjured images of lonely alien landscapes, isolated expanses of the deepest corners of the cosmos, and the rare parts of our own planet still untouched by the forces of modern technology and industrialization. Floatpoint's Beam Error came from this time period, and after being hard to find for years, this lost gem from ambient's heyday is now available in a special edition directly from Floatpoint's Phil Western himself. Sonically, Beam Error resembles a slightly darker version of Off and Gone's Everest, the subsequent collaboration between Floatpoint's Western and Dan Handrabur. Tracks like "Lko" and "Namlossah" rival anything put out under the Off and Gone moniker, and the overall feel of both albums is similar enough so that fans of one should enjoy the other.
The real reason to pick up this release, however, is found on the bonus second disc. In addition to four unreleased Floatpoint songs, the disc includes a 43-minute live "Acid Jam" recorded in 1994 by Western, Handrabur, and Dwayne Goettel. This jam alone is worth the price of the entire disc. Electronic music isn't usually considered conducive to the concept of jamming and improvisation, but this piece puts that misconception to rest. Not only can it be done, but it can be done with style. What's even more amazing is how timeless this piece (and the rest of the album) still sounds fourteen years after its conception. A lot of electronic music eventually sounds dated thanks to constant evolutions in the technology underlying the music. Great music, on the other hand, stands the test of time, no matter what tools were used in its creation, and Floatpoint's Beam Error is one of those timeless pieces of music.
Daniel Slaten
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