Area C creates challenging but emotionally simulating music. The only rhythm comes from constant feedback loops. Without sacrificing the experimental nature of the music, Area C adds in joyful melodies. By including the melodies this rises above a purely academic exercise.
Much of this album reminds me of Christopher Willt’s early work. Guitars skip about with a disregard for conventionality. Just like Willt’s early work, there are those beautiful tones so bright, so airy; you can almost feel the sun shining through. On the earlier tracks this similarity is particularly noticeable. “Felt, Not Seen” shimmers about with a calming effect. Sure, all these noises by themselves might bother you, but together they form a gentle track.
While the album progresses, the songs gradually get darker. The melodies become less and less distinguishable. Instead of the tactile guitar plucks and skips you hear gradually evolving drones. Sure the drones had been present for most of the album but they overwhelm by the end of the disc. “Ebbs to a Steady Bun” embraces the drone to become some massive burned-out track.
This is a long album. You’ll get lost in the sheer size of most of these tracks. At no point does Area C come close to conventionally. If you’re familiar with work from early Oval or Christopher Willt, you won’t be shocked with this material. If you’re not however you’re in for a very pleasant surprise. Either way it is an enjoyable, spacey album.