Gruntsplatter – The Eulogist’s Assembly
Eibon Records - GRU052 – 2005
By Russell Garwood
He who joyfully marches in rank and file, has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would surely suffice… reads the is Einstein quote in
The Eulogist’s Assembly’s liner notes. And
Gruntsplatter a.k.a. Scott Candey, is certainly not one to joyfully march in rank and file with his contemporaries; like Einstein, he would not be “part of so base an action”. Ever experimental, this release sees the singular project produce more of the dark-ambient noisescapes we’re used to. White noise ebbs and flows, drones create a sense of unease, dense electronics are juxtaposed by haunting, desolate tones, and – unlike much of Candey’s other work – there are occasional more forgiving, sparse passages. A sense of unease is maintained throughout, as is a dark, claustrophobic atmosphere. Machinistic, rhythmic noise is present at times, while much of the remainder of the release comprises gradual crescendos of noise.
If, like me, you are fond of your electronic noise, or a fan of the band,
The Eulogist’s Assembly is a must. For open-minded experimentalists, this is worth checking out, but those more staid in their tastes may want to avoid it. Interesting, atmospheric stuff.
7.5/10
Official Eibon Records website
