DAVID TOOP - ENTITIES INERTIAS FAINT BEINGS

So David Toop asked Lawrence English why would anybody release music in the 21st century - a fair question. Why do any of us bother producing anything? Are we witnessing The End of Music, David? is that what you thought? But there's so much of it, these days; more, I would guess, than ever before.

Thankfully David Toop's Entities Inertias Faint Beings was worth releasing - it's more than just more mediocre music and you probably guessed that if you know anything about him. it must be tricky, knowing so much about all kinds of music and finding the will to still make your own. He must have a way of silencing the internal critic that's always berating him for making music that's not quite as extraordinary as ______________ (insert any avant-garde pioneer you like). 

This album is extraordinary, though, not because it leaps from the speakers and swipes your ears; it does the opposite, quietly creeps out but still seeps into your mind. Stealth is a healthy approach today. It must be tempting to shout loud and strike hard in an effort to get noticed, but you've probably noticed that all that shouting loses it's impact after a while.

What's played on Entities Inertias Faint Beings? This I wonder as it happens right in front of my ears just now. A drum is banged...something is rustled...guitar strummed...an oriental instrument?...computer fiddled with...as if improvising in his studio, much happens that doesn't feel planned, exactly, although Ancestral Beings, Sightless By Their Own Dust is of a cohesive mood, the kind of ominous atmosphere with a bass pulse that reminds me of Willard in the jungle about to meet Cpt Kurtz. Intriguing and very worthwhile.

Released on Room40