Spring Break
Review: Realistic
Illegal Artist seeks some sweet emotion
Barry Eitel
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Diversions
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Realistic, the brainchild of sound collage artist James Towning, verifies on his third album, Perpetual Memory Loss, that he is securely in the vanguard of the 21st century musical phenomenon of sample-based compositions. Perpetual Memory Loss is being released by controversial label Illegal Art, and labelmates include international sensation Girl Talk. It is clear right from the first track, though, that Realistic is no Girl Talk. Perpetual Memory Loss is not meant for the clubs; Realistic's re-conceptualization and experimentation almost seems to be more intended for meditation.
All 16 tracks are a sophisticated jumble of found sounds, recorded music and dialogue and original electronic creations, all of which he is able to use to create distinctive and dynamic soundscapes. Most of the samples are quite obscure, but that actually helps make each track original. Everything is so well blended that even recognizable samples don't stand out until after repeated listening - then hints of Bob Marley's "Jamming" and Erik B. and Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul" start to show themselves. There isn't much focus on vocals; all of Realistic's effort goes toward inducing moods.
Realistic puts a lot of purpose behind each individual track; he has a very specific emotion he wants to evoke with each one. This becomes evident as soon as the album begins with "The Camera Track." The song is timid in the introduction, beginning with some dialogue and guitar looping. There is a brief pause, and then the sound blares back with chanting and industrial-rock percussion. The track turns from hesitant to epic on a dime, and then Realistic goes exploring by layering, remixing and removing different elements. This contrasts sharply with the next track, "Music in the Round," which frames angelic vocals and ukulele with tight drum loops. The juxtaposition of the harmonic singing and the upbeat synth effects is brilliant.
Often on this journey, Realistic is teetering on total chaos as each track is continually morphing. However, everything is held fast by Realistic's drum loops. Without the constant beat, the compositions would crash into a dissonant mess. The anxiety created by toeing the line of complete sonic bedlam is what fuels the album and thrills the listener. It is this ability that shows Realistic is not simply a DJ - he is a true artist. Perpetual Memory Loss succeeds because of the constant twisting. There are a few moments when Realistic focuses on a single musical concept for too long, and then the album almost stalls. However, these moments also show how wonderfully breakneck the rest of the album is.
All 16 tracks are a sophisticated jumble of found sounds, recorded music and dialogue and original electronic creations, all of which he is able to use to create distinctive and dynamic soundscapes. Most of the samples are quite obscure, but that actually helps make each track original. Everything is so well blended that even recognizable samples don't stand out until after repeated listening - then hints of Bob Marley's "Jamming" and Erik B. and Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul" start to show themselves. There isn't much focus on vocals; all of Realistic's effort goes toward inducing moods.
Realistic puts a lot of purpose behind each individual track; he has a very specific emotion he wants to evoke with each one. This becomes evident as soon as the album begins with "The Camera Track." The song is timid in the introduction, beginning with some dialogue and guitar looping. There is a brief pause, and then the sound blares back with chanting and industrial-rock percussion. The track turns from hesitant to epic on a dime, and then Realistic goes exploring by layering, remixing and removing different elements. This contrasts sharply with the next track, "Music in the Round," which frames angelic vocals and ukulele with tight drum loops. The juxtaposition of the harmonic singing and the upbeat synth effects is brilliant.
Often on this journey, Realistic is teetering on total chaos as each track is continually morphing. However, everything is held fast by Realistic's drum loops. Without the constant beat, the compositions would crash into a dissonant mess. The anxiety created by toeing the line of complete sonic bedlam is what fuels the album and thrills the listener. It is this ability that shows Realistic is not simply a DJ - he is a true artist. Perpetual Memory Loss succeeds because of the constant twisting. There are a few moments when Realistic focuses on a single musical concept for too long, and then the album almost stalls. However, these moments also show how wonderfully breakneck the rest of the album is.
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