Alien Genome Project Review At Textura

Textura



ch.pm: Alien Genome Project
Ambidextrous

Craig Murphy is a man of many projects: the Herb Recordings founder tackles electronica under the Solipsism guise, electro-psychedelia in Shoosh alongside band-mates Neil Carlill and Ed Drury, and deep ambient under the ch.pm name. Alien Genome Project finds Murphy fashioning a three-part opus that's about as immersive as ambient gets with the album's eight sections featuring multi-tiered synth swells and billowing masses so immense you could disappear within them altogether. The material's galaxial feel and trippy ambiance intensify when distorted voices echo across the limitless expanses of deep space, and nowhere is that epic pitch achieved more intensively than during the title piece which unspools over ten trance-inducing minutes (the sound is so huge, it reduces the voices that occasionally surface to indecipherable mumbles). A thirty-six-minute work of varying moods, Alien Genome Project takes its inspiration from the “Panspermia” theory—the idea that “micro-organisms or biochemical compounds from outer space are responsible for originating life on Earth and possibly in other parts of the universe where suitable atmospheric conditions exist”—but the work can be experienced just as easily on purely musical terms as an engrossing exercise in synthetic dronescaping. If anything, its unapologetically pure synth-based sound has more in common with ‘70s-styled ambient recordings (early Tangerine Dream, say) than a more current release where granular static and other noise might accompany the drones. That Alien Genome Project leaves such a strong impression is due in part to the forceful intensity of its presentation.

September 2008

Solipsism

Solarism Review At Angry Ape

Angry Ape



Craig Murphy, the Scots-based multi-talented musician/producer behind Solipsism may describe his recorded output as eclectic or experimental, but it is much more interesting than that. Murphy is nothing if not prolific, as well as Solipsism he divides his time between audio/visual vehicle Weird Fields, ambient-folk-electronic troupe shoosh and his main record label Herb Recordings. He also runs the free-spirited Ambidextrous collective, who intend to build upon the ‘pay what you want’ foundations lay by Radiohead. It’s his alternative imprint that provides the home for his last outing as Solipsism, for the foreseeable future at least, as he concentrates on shoosh and growing Herb (pun actually not intended) into Scotland’s premier label.

Much of Solipsism’s previous recorded output was borne out of collaboration and Murphy continues these trends on “Solarism”, working with Cardiff Techno warrior The Hidden Persuader on the brooding darkwave glitch of “Destruct Science”, while roping in White Label Music stalwart Jash on “Delusions Outermind”

Of his solo contributions, “Crystalism” is the most direct track, coming across like an aggressive, no nonsense Boards of Canada. Those distant synths that hallmark previous releases are intact here, layering themselves almost out of sync with the programmed beats, yet remaining cohesive. “Exit Strategy” is different again, employing thick mid-90’s beats over dripping melodies that slightly recall Wendy Carlos’ “Clockwork Orange” phase.

Although this release may lack a truly classic Solipsism number (nothing on this record touches the majesty of “At the Beach”, “Glass Rod” or “Electricity Flows in Squares”) Murphy signs this project off in style with the nostalgic “Sun Up”, allowing this piece to slowly drift out towards the horizon, while retaining that mechanistic edge that we have become accustomed to. Despite “Solarism’s” relatively short existence it is encouraging to note Solipsism has lost none of its ethereal charm. There is a feeling that there is still much to be said from this project, but for now you can grab this release free along with several others over at the Ambidextrous site.

Solarism Track Listing:

1. Exit Strategy
2. Destruct Science (Feat. The Hidden Persuader)
3. Crystalism
4. Delusions Outermind (Feat. Jash)
5. Sun Up

Ambidextrous Records

Ambidextrous Records is a small label, focusing on the digital download market and short run CDs who possess a strong DIY ethic. All of our artists are responsible for their own releases in every respect, from promotion to manufacture and everything in between. In return they will benefit from having their music released through a traditional and recognised channel. More importantly, they will also receive all money from sales and learn about the business side of releasing music at the same time. We are here only as a focal point for their releases and as a platform that enables them to get their music out. All of our releases are available as 192kbps MP3s and you can choose to buy our digital releases safely and securely from Paypal, or download them for free. It's really your choice!