DAVID RUSSELL “Futures EP” CDr (ASR, 2012)

“A new direction for Cleveland,OH noise renaissance man David Russell. with this new disc Russell delves into a insane mix of broken beats, precise industrial and at parts, dare i say IDM. This disc blends thwarting bass programming, trebelly stabs, and warbling midranges which hybridize into concise yet dense electronic compositions. A new, yet focused direction of “post-noise” or just doing something different/similar with a ne w emphasis. This lacks the rawness and emphasis on freejazz like hammering persuccion and custom wind instrumentation that has become
a staple on select solo works,but takes a cleaner more “programmed” approach yet that still retains a visceral edge. Ya knowwwwwwwwwwwwwww it’s got chops and screws that he’s so well known for, as well as well um, almost dance music….

Some tracks take a more minimal approach to the rhythms and background textures similar to an early slowed down Oval while other tracks resemble a more put together instrumental Skinny Puppy. time and time again this dude busts out new sonix tricks from up the sleeve. Never saw this one coming, o ya, WHERES THE EMCEE? I say go for It.!!!! This is a really varied disc (for just an EP) and it has a wide appeal, covering all of the moods and emotions, articulate and vast-a great collections of more structured pieces that gel together quite nicely- not just for noise heads, by any stretch, just so ya know. Plus some great cover songs to boot, don’t wanna spoil them, but you should just check it out for yourself. One missing item again is vocals; could take this album to a whole new direction, and we know he’s got the pipes! Packaged in a slimline DVD case with classic Polar Envy style artwork, clean, dynamic, and dense, Layout by DR himself.
Overall : 8.6 / 13
Written by : malo
2/15/12

DAVID RUSSELL
POLAR ENVY