Search - James Plotkin :: Strange Perplexing

Ambient ambience

D. K. Malone | earth | 04/12/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is definitely Plotkin's most utterly "ambient" solo release, on a par with his collaborations with Mark Spybey, Brent Gutzeit, Mick Harris, etc. There are no rhythm tracks, bass lines, or other such frills. The only source instrument listed is the guitar, but as usual, you wouldn't know this by listening to it. It's been completely manipulated and deconstructed into purely abstract sound. The first time I heard the hint of a melody was on track 5. Overall, I dare say it sounds a little cliche. To be fair, according to the liner notes the recordings span from 1993 to 1996, and I don't think it would have sounded so hackneyed during that period. (Well, maybe to Brian Eno it would have.) Like most ambient, it's great when you're in the mood. When you aren't in the mood, listening to it can be a frustrating experience."