P.H.O.B.O.S.: Atonal Hypermnesia

Even though I don't understand the appeal of drone, I have to say that P.H.O.B.O.S. have a grandeur that rises far above the monotonous naval gazing that other bands from this genre make us endure. Unlike the majority operating in this completely morose cesspool of hummmmm, P.H.O.B.O.S. add a multitude of sounds, emotions and effects to keep you, for the main, interested and attentive, with metallic clanks, smacks and crunks punctuating the whirling backdrop. Making this limited run of only 300 vinyl copies of Atonal Hypermnesia into an almost In-drone-strial clamour.

The album has been created by Frederic Sacri - who is credited with designing, recording and mixing the four lengthy soundscapes that ease, ooze and trickle from deep, dark theme to brooding, threatening idea. In the wrong circumstances it can all become background music, however strap on the headphones and evocative, disturbing imagery is sure to haunt you for days on end.

As expected, this isn't a release for the faint hearted, nor will it quench the thirst of anyone looking for melody or an uplifting theme. However there's no denying the effectiveness and passion with which this whole album was put together. To an aficionado of this particular sphere of music I'm sure there must be swathing differences between the quarter of compositions served up here, but I have to say that as someone who would usually rather remove all of their toenails than sit through drone, the similarity is marked and to a novice even comes across as intentional. Although what with the sounds, effects and electronic approach, there are enough elements to keep you just about occupied.

Far from likely to make me a convert, Atonal Hypermnesia is still the best piece of drone I've encountered.

Track Listing
1. Necromegalopolis Of Coprolites
2. Maelström Mani Padme Hum
3. Solar Defrag
4. Transonic Mahasamadhi

Added: October 13th 2012
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: P.H.O.B.O.S. Online
Hits: 3227
Language: english

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