as yet untitled

various artists

realization recordings

1991 CD

 

play | buy

reviews

“I really like compilations like this.”— Industrial Nation

“... a magnificent survey of the American noise scene...”—Electronic Shock Treatment

“...a digital resurrection of cassette compilations of olde...”— File 13

“Brilliantly conceived compilation of sonic artists... All of it exceptional.”— Sonic Detours

Industrial Nation

I really like compilations like this. You get a generous helping of music, in this case, 15 artists clocking at 68 minutes. It contains familiar artists like Randy Greif, Illusion of Safety, Arcane Device and the Haters. There are artists I've heard of but not heard like Architects Office, John Wiggins and PBK. I figure if a compilation has that much familiarity it's worth checking out. You get to discover other artists worth exploring further. This compilation succeeds at that by introducing me to Michael Chocholak, Thomas Dimuzio, and Dimthingshine among others. The compositional styles of the artists compliment each other and the track sequencing encourages continued and repeated listening. It's very annoying when a compilation doesn't make tonal or thematic sense and even more annoying when you come to a halt because of a poorly placed track. On As Yet Untitled, you roam through an assortment of what can loosely be described as ambient music. However, it's not sonic wallpaper. There's a variety of manipulation techniques, sound sources and intensities that demonstrate how much space there is to explore in experimental music. I think you'll find the compilation of American artists a respectable addition to your music library. —DC

Electronic Shock Treatment

Ignore the scrappy packaging and feast your ears on the contents of this lovely little silver platter. "Abstract noise" are the two words I normally rely on to give you the relevant clues, but I could just give examples: Michael Chocholak, AMK, Hands To, Illusion of Safety, Randy Greif. My favourite tracks include a classic trip to the drone zone from Thomas Dimuzio, a neat swirlpool of shrillness by PBK, Static Effect's dramatic Orff-with-its-'ead lunacy and Arcane Device's thrombosic feedback fields. This is a magnificent survey of the American noise scene, and if you're open-minded about the genre (or already a fan) you ought to hear it soon. —Brian Duguid

File 13

A collection on CD that seems like a digital resurrection of cassette compilations of olde, with tried and true names of the cassette underground like Architects Office, Randy Greif, PBK, Michael Chocholak, Hands To, AMK, Arcane Device, and the Haters. Addin Thomas Dimuzio, John Wiggins, Dimthingshine, Illusion of Safety, Static Effect and others, and you've got a more interesting and generally tastier collection than the Cassette Mythos compilation, actually. If you know these folks, then you know to buy this already. If you don't know them and are remotely interested in collage work, noise drones, electronic music experiments, or generally unusual sounds, seek this out. If not.. well, you're dead already so never mind. —Mason Jones

Sonic Detours

Brilliantly conceived compilation of sonic artists working mainly in noise textures. I would recommend this without reservation to anyone looking to experience the breadth of this evolving genre. You'll find everything from all-out assaults to crackling ambience. All of it exceptional. Highly recommended. —Bryan Baker