Sum of R - Sum of R

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Customer reviews
Press release

4...according to our Brett on Thu 27 Nov, 2008.

This new Sum of R thing on Utech comes in probably the best designed digipak I've ever handled. I actually can't stop looking at it. I'm a horrible vinyl snob but after opening this I think I might go home, sell all my records and re-buy all my collection on CD.. Basically living my life up until now in reverse. I can't stop looking at it but I really should write something about the music, I'll do my best to avert my gaze.. In common with much of the label's output that I've heard up until now, this self-titled album is gloomy, experimental stuff that I suppose you could tag 'dark ambient' if you really must. There's a fair bit of drone that often crosses over into weird ambient noise sort of territory, with distant slow-motion riffs and lovely controlled feedback. Very dramatic and evocative. Plus the secret goth in you will probably lap up the titles ('Physically Deformed', 'Requiem for a Liar') without ever dreaming of admitting to it. Looking at the inlay I'm assuming this lot are Swiss and the music is a pretty good answer to Orson Welles' cuckoo clock jibe in A Touch of Evil. And look at that thick, untreated card they've used on the packaging.. Yum. Oh, and there's a tit on the cover - WAAHEEEY LADS EH LOL!!!

1.Physically Deformed
2.Our Karma is Broken
3.Bones, Beer and Muscles
4.Ural Umbo
5.Eleventh Rib
6.Requiem for a Liar
7.Pack Mule Audio
8.Unlisted Disasters
9.Basics of Sleep
10.Good Night Francine

Switzerland’s Sum of R is Reto Mäder (RM74) and Christoph Hess and Roger Ziegler (Herpes Ö Deluxe) constructing/deconstructing sound in ways that infest and cloud the interior of the mind. The implements: electronics, bass guitar, piano, drums, harmonium and Lenco turntables. The science: deep pulsations, organic drones, melodic feedback accompaniment, vinyl loops, analog sound sources, reversed audio, haunting vocal treatments. The sum: a living, breathing organism that sustains varied levels of function without ever losing its holistic unity. Presented in a heavy black matte digi printed with silver ink. Includes silver/black fold out insert. Photography by Rik Garrett.

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