Release Date: April 2, 2013
Label: Library of Nothing
Epigram / Microgram (CZ) is an exploration by Leo Chadburn (better known by pseudonym Simon Bookish) into the capabilities of the CZ-101, a modest little Casio synthesizer that can be found online for about $200. Each song is based on a melodic experiment and fleshed out through the use of the CZ-101, which is the only sound source used. Because of this approach, Epigram / Microgram (CZ) has a pleasant feeling of experimentation for the sake of experimentation; not every track is outstanding, but a sense of wonderment and joyful discovery permeates each sonic expedition.
Due to the nature of its writing, the majority of Epigram / Microgram (CZ) is shapeless. The ideas at work are almost entirely melodic and harmonic, and rhythmic precision is often abandoned entirely. A formula that’s used throughout is one synth voice playing a theme while others will either play in a completely different tempo, or create a background of clicks, pops, and buzzes. Unfortunately this form can become predictable and a little stale, but one thing these songs excel at is creating a vivid setting in the listener’s head. “Intercontinental” starts with a rapidly shaking atonal noise that fades into the background, sometimes disappearing entirely, only to return in a subtly different form. It evokes a feeling like drifting just outside the atmosphere of a lush planet, with the occasional company of a satellite that is buzzing through orbit.
The only track that doesn’t dabble in slow-moving ambience is the stellar “Difficult (Let’s Go Off the Cliff),” which sounds like it’s trying to defy the rest of the album as aggressively as possible. Driving bass synths growl and roar like beasts locked in combat, juxtaposed against delicate waves of music-box impersonation. It’s a standout on the album; it’s jarring, soothing, claustrophobic, and airy all at once.
Overall, Epigram / Microgram (CZ) sounds exactly like what it is; a collection of experiments that are about the question more than they are about the answer. Nearly every track has standout moments, but it seems like these are happy coincidences as a result of exploring a musical concept as thoroughly as possible. That’s not to say the album is bad by any means; it’s an extremely pleasant listen, and the overall feeling of experimenting and fiddling is simply fun. Epigram / Microgram (CZ) is a good album to play as background ambience while working. It’s unobtrusive and atmospheric, while inspiring listeners to buckle down and use their brains to do incredible things and explore the ideas they haven’t even thought of yet.
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