Still
- Remains CD/ Digital Download
Former Dälek Turntablist, Still (Hsi-Chang Lin) goes
solo and unleashes a dark ambient masterpiece that borders
on sonic terrorism. Created using only Technics 1200's and
an array of effects pedals, Still's REMAINS is not a "turntablist"
record in the traditional sense. Drawing from (and adding
to) the history of alternative turntable use, REMAINS is an
ambient record whose textures at times run side by side with
the work of Phillip Jeck or Aphex Twin. Two laborious years
were put into the 35 minutes that comprise the album. Each
track was painstakingly mapped out and played live in the
studio. Opening with aggressive noise and evolving into delicate
ambience, REMAINS supersedes the preconceived range of the
turntable, infusing emotion into an otherwise inhuman instrument.
First pressing of 1,000 contains limited edition, hand-numbered
art that wraps around the jewel case and seals in the back
"In a small space the sounds tend to be more sharp
edged and abrasive. Take it outside and everything seems super
organic. Listen to the album on headphones and you'll be ruined
for a month" -Foxy Digitalis
"The songs are noisy, somnabulant swirls of sound,
full of grainy, crackling loops and brief snatches of melody.
On the surface, his approach is similar to that of UK turntablist
Philip Jeck; but, as abrasive as Still's music can be on a track
like the opener "Once Confronted," it is at heart still soothingly
and conventionally lyrical. A lovely record, which had me nodding
off in a very good way." -Rare Frequency
"(I)t's not only the occasional punk rock flamboyance
of his methods, but his well-tuned compositional sense that sets
him apart from turntablism's rank and file. Whether building
tracks around spiralling waves of feedback processed through
the tonearm of the turntable ('Once Confronted'), layer upon
layer of tape loops ('Atrophy',) backwards samples ('Need') or
edits of live performance ('Blindness') the most consistently
surprising factor about 'Remains' is the sheer scope of the sounds
Still miraculously manages to coax from his turntables. Truly
extraordinary."-Playlouder (UK)
"Although extremely dense and oppressive, the six
tracks featured here allow for emotions to run through. While
soundscapes are assembled, twisted, looped and processed, Lin
weaves debris of musical elements through his sonic structures,
as to remain in touch with the raw material used. This adds an
interesting layer of humanity throughout this album and reveals
a hidden depth to his compositions." -The Milk Factory
(UK)
"Hsi-Chang Lin focuses on de-constructing the theory
of music and sets his sight on something different
and more visceral. Turntablist junkies might not appreciate
everything this guy does, but they've got to appreciate
his unique style which no one can say has been done
before."-Smother.net
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1. Once Confronted
2. Atrophy
3. A Dream You Were Alive
4. Need
5. Futility (MP3)
6. Blindness (live)
*Enhanced with Super 8 film shot by Todd Boebel and edited
by Levi McConnell
Still is: Hsi-Chang Lin
Release date: June 28, 2005
Artwork: Sophia Giampilis
website
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