Thursday, February 2, 2012

Sawi Lieu / I\D CDr





I first had the chance to hear this split CDr between Indonesian artist Sawi Lieu and Singapore's I\D while reviewing the disc through Foxy Digitalis. The extreme filters, synthetic layering, improvization, and joyful experimentation immediately captured me. I think there's definitely an audience for this type of experimental music in America, and I\D was kind enough to send some copies to me.


Sawi Lieu's contribution to the disc is an extended synthetic loop or series of layers, which are extremely filtered. Completely unpredictable filter sweeps interrupt the signal at points, invoking the feeling of joyously recording at home and mashing all he effects one can find. However, this isn't simply filter mashing; Sawi Lieu effectively builds synthetic layers by introduced new parts atop his repetitions, ultimately creating the image of a blissful, endless sonic blast.


I\D contrast Sawi Lieu's synthetic layers with series of live drum propulsions and wild, unrestrained guitar work. There are other synthetic elements and unclassifiable noises throughout the two parts of I\D's suite -- "Four Horesemen of the Apocalypse," and the electronic elements are as extreme as the filters on the wah-wah guitar. As the second part enters, the ensemble insanity cools, and I\D present hypnotic, cleaner guitar sequences. I\D present a distorted, interrupted version of completely free improvisation that nevertheless portrays a clear vision through their interaction.




CDr: Sawi Lieu / I\D split (self-released) $7 ppd US / $10 ppd world

I\D back catalog

I recently received copies for distribution of the Sawi Lieu and I\D split CDr, to showcase the collaboration between noisemakers from Indonesia and Singapore. I also received a few copies of two previous releases from experimental group I\D.





Midnight Hot and Elite, Kvlt, Irrevocably Tr00 showcase I\D's penchant for unrestrained experimentation between noise and completely free jazz. As a result, the group present tracks that are percussive and intense along some surprising displays of space, loose arrangements, and disconcerting stops.






At their very best, I\D play a type of acid-fusion, building their abstract elements into tense crescendos and structured jams driven by drums and guitar. Overall, the development of their noise is blissful, experimental, and completely free -- there is a willful feeling of exploration and creation. Yet, it's not simply outsider jazz or unfocused wanking; the driving, start-and-stop explorations display willful explosion of genre expectations while establishing their own parameters through their instrumental interaction.




I\D produce personal, challenging improvizational and structured explorations of noise, free jazz, and electronic/synthetic manipulation.




CD: I\D, Midnight Hot (2009, self-released, 32 minutes), $10 ppd US / $15 ppd world



CD: I\D, Elite, Kvlt, Irrevocably Tr00 (2007, self-released, +60 minutes), $10 ppd US / $15 ppd world