CD – Baskaru

In the enclaves of international electronic music Frans De Waard is well-known and respected as a reviewer of experimental music and as a talented composer. Previously he has worked with the Kapotte Muziek ensemble, as well as releasing albums under the moniker Beequeen with Freek Kinkelaar and performing with Goem (alongside Roel Meelkop and Peter Duimelinks) and Zebra (with Roel Meelkop). Over the years there has of course been solo work, though this album sees the artist return to collaboration with Roel Meelkop, using – for copyright reasons – the new alias of Weiman. A second album was released this year, entitled Cutting Room Flour, licensed by Lage Landen Lawaai, a German cassette label. The basic idea of The Classic Album is very simple: they have used only samples of songs that have “classical references” in their titles, using words like “symphony”, “rhapsody” or “overture” – references that are not, however, always recognizable. Here concept prevails over musical form and this leads us to think that the appreciation of this album will differ significantly among listeners. This work don’t necessarily strive for critical appreciation, nor is it trying to appeal to any dance floor attitudes: abstract conceptual projects that are highly stylized and artfully designed can be fascinating on their own terms.

 

Wieman – With a lat of verve