Download
"III Steps Forward" CD
The duo of Phil Western and cEvin Key return (apparently for the final time as the duo have since parted ways) on
this self-released collection of tracks that continues to evolve and move forwards, indeed. Whereas their last
release ('Effector') was a more laid-back and melodic affair, 'III Steps' goes directly the hard and fast route.
Beginning with the crunchy IDM-ish 'Sticky Glandsin', 'Dakota' follows with a sort of shadowy ambient/dub sound that
becomes more complex as it develops into a netherworld of deep rhythms and subsonic electronic effects. Finally, it
breaks into a beautiful maelstrom of strings that have been a hallmark of Key's work through the years, combined with
the lush ambience of Western's work. Quite effective. 'Resilient' is another potent brew of heavy-duty beats and
skittering noises that mutates and twists into a hypnotic groove only to later deconstruct itself then pick up again.
'The Itch Of Trepanning' is a shorter dubtronica interlude of sorts, while 'Ratail Comb' brings back the hard and
complex techno mindwarpings reminiscent of the group's earlier 'Eyes Of Stanley Pain' days. Key himself provides some
maniacal Japanoise-style howlings in 'Manmade'--a hyper-kinetic d&b demon that proves that Tom Jenkinson (SQUAREPUSHER)
isn't the only one capable of making intense freak-techno-jazz-jungle hybrids. 'Nor' opens in a Philthy, drifty,
psychedelic haze, then unfolds itself into a deep and hallucinogenic ambient journey, very much in line with Western's
recent solo work--certainly a strength there. 'Walking, Talking' brings in the big real drum sounds but genesplices
them with hardcore tweakings and manipulations (likely courtesy of new member Omar Torres of Native Instruments). The
final 2 cuts, 'D.O.G.' and 'P.U.P.', are tributes to some beloved felines of the Subcon family, and are highly evolved
slices of experimental electronica. As they have successfully done since their inception (inside joke there for you
hardcore fans), DOWNLOAD manages to avoid definition and create a rich and varied electronic trip--one that you don't
even need to drop or light to experience. Just switch off those lights, turn up the cd player, lie back, and you, too,
can be a space captain! (Subconscious)
Todd Zachritz
Godsend Online
DOWNLOAD, "III STEPS FORWARD"
Subconscious Communications
After 1997's unimaginatively entitled third album, Download planned on releasing two EPs ('Moth' and 'Resilient'
if memory serves) that never came to be. More than likely some if not all of the material for those has resurfaced
here, along with 'Effector' outtakes, on the third installment of the "From the Vault" series. From the get go I'm
impressed as these are finished tracks on par with or better than those that made the official releases, unlike the
lifeless doodlings of the first Vault disc "Inception". "Sticky Glandstin" has all the essentials: a jittery bass
heavy beat, bizarre samples and sounds and an amniotic atmosphere smeared across the stereo field. The next track
"Dakota" is the first jaw dropper when it shifts gears and glides into an elegant synthetic wash. Rhythmically
"The Itch of Trepanning" swaggers and "Manmade" assaults while "Nor" caresses (it too dissolving into a howl
enhanced ambient bliss midway through). "Walking, Talking" also beats you pleasantly senseless with an intricate
mesh of metallic percussion and electronic squelches over a groovy bass lead. "D.O.G." and "P.U.P." reference Key's
longtime feline companions to which this 45 minute collection is dedicated. With that in mind both take on a somewhat
somber but thankful air, the rhythms tamed down some to focus more on melodic feel. If you're remotely a fan of post-
'The Eyes of Stanley Pain' Download, 'III Steps Forward' is very worth your while.
- Mark Weddle
Mark Weddle's Reviews
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