Boredoms, Super Roots 10 (Thrill Jockey)
Oct 28, 2009 1:37 PM, Noah Levine
A song becomes an album
Boredoms are certainly Japan’s preeminent source of experimental musical noise, and the ninth installment of their Super Roots EP Series (there is no number 4) is a standout cohesive work, even if the most exciting moment actually comes from a Norwegian producer.
The release is five almost-connected takes on the expansive composition “Ant 10,” where a column of rhythm holds focus while spiraling synths flare out, and band leader Yamantaka Eye herds things to the center with excited chants and yelps. The drivingly ecstatic 10-minute original is a nice work, but the real fun comes when remixes from Japanese artist Altz, the mysterious DJ Finger Ha, and Norwegian DJ Lindstrøm till the track’s dance undertones to the surface.
It’s Lindstrøm who finds the most success by playing with the original’s unkempt rhythms and synths for several minutes before reigning in the drums and unleashing a wiry baseline to transport the drum-circle vibe to a prime spot beneath the disco ball.
Both Altz (who does two versions) and Finger Hat also succeed in playing up dance notions while emphasizing the wild tendencies for which Boredoms are renowned. But while they create dub takes on the compelling original, only Lindstrøm transplants its essence into such a rewarding new terrain.
[4 out of 5 stars]
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