No Affect. (s-j5.xm)

Posted by TMA Placeholder Account on Tue 2nd Apr 2002, rated 5 / 10.

This tune consists of nothing else than rushing percussion and a few synth samples which are used in an alarm-like sound. The outcome is actually alright, although crudeness and very familiar samples make it sound like an experiementation than a proper tune. Technically the piece is not impressive, very few effects are used and the overall effect of pleasantly disjointed rhythms is easily achieved randomly. Dynamics are brutal, which of course may serve a purpose, but the piece could be more effective if volume commands/column was utilized. The tune is also completely monophonic, though rather that than nauseating stereo effects which would have had rather disgusting results. However, there is structure, there are build-ups, repeats and variations. The piece is actually quite listeneable. The snare sample played in different pitches somewhat succeeds contributing melodical content. In my opinion, though, the same 'artistic effect' could have been more enjoyably achieved in less time, so the tune appears longish. Some variation should have been cut out in favor of the whole. Samples are quite standard, same breaks have been well worn in hundreds of tracks before. The sound of breaking glass (or something), used in a few patterns in the beginning and the end, giving a nice wrap-up feel, is a refreshing exception. The synths are used for an unlikely sound and achieve it surprisingly good, although there's a feeling they're not completely fit for the job. There's a little melody at one part of the song which stands out in a bad way - it does not fit since the rest of the song is devoid of real melody and the melody itself is executed poorly - the sample itself fades in, so when it's played on the same channel, the former note cuts out bit badly. Glissando or sample offsets could be used in such situations, as well as placing the new note on a second channel and fading out the old one. Overall, I was a bit surprised to find I liked this kind of tune, on the other hand, I would have loved to like it more. The track is a success for making an interesing piece out of nearly only percussion - however, such a piece could be better.