Genre/Influences: Experimental, industrial.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Rutger Zuydervelt set up his Machinefabriek project in 2004. Hailing from The Netherlands, this artist has released a countless number of productions featuring many collaborations. “Amalgaam” is his newest work, which has been introduced as ‘based on a series of improvisations on a very hands-on hardware setup’. He used an old tone generator, effect pedals, dictaphones, contact mics ao. The noises were originally recorded and next mixed and transformed in the studio.

Content: Machinefabriek stands for experimental music and that’s what “Amalgaam” simply stands for. You clearly can see the improvised way of working, mixing numerous noises creating a truly sonic patchwork. The album features 2 shorter cuts and 2 elaborated ones holding you in their grip for 11- and 15 minutes. Next to the experimental/industrial influence, the album also reveals a dark-ambient touch, which is hanging over the work.

Notice by the way the track “Metallic” is an older cut that was originally released on a compilation. As the cut fitted with the global approach of “Amalgaam” it has been simply re-edited.

+ + + : If you’re into experimental music and you like improvisations, Machinefabriek is for sure a project you have to get on your radar. This new work will fulfill your expectations, Rutger Zuydervelt is operating as an experienced sound architect in the genre. From self-created noises to pure electro-acoustic work, this album will especially catch your attention by its longer cuts. “Amalgaam I” and “Amalgaam II” both are efficient track and I especially like the way both cuts evolved into a crescendo.

– – – : The experimental side however remains difficult to be accessible for non initiated music freaks.

Conclusion: I often have some reservations with prolific artists, but “Amalgaam” is worthy of examination for experimental lovers.

Best songs: “Amalgaam II”, “Amalgaam I”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.machinefabriek.nu / www.facebook.com/Machinefabriek-105289806168145

Label: www.zoharum.com / www.facebook.com/zoharum

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Experimental, soundtrack, neo-classic.

Background/Info: “Short Scenes” resulted from the common efforts of experimentalist Rutger Zuydervelt (Machinefabriek) and professional violinist & viola player Anne Bakker. They both were working on the composition of a soundtrack, but the cuts featured at this album didn’t appear at the score. Machinefabriek finalized some improvisation cuts by Anne Bakker.

Content: The result is totally soundtrack-like. There’s no single doubt about that. The work features 20 short cuts, which are mainly driven by the neo-classic violin and viola. Some passages are pretty dark, but mainly supported with emotions.

+ + + : I like the sound of both instruments, which according to me are some of the most authentic instruments in history. You get the impression to hear the soul of the artist through the instrument. It’s sensitive and definitely authentic.

– – – : I’m missing some visual content here. That’s precisely what soundtracks are all about; they are part of a wider entity and this work is missing its visual part. The tracks are also pretty fragmented, sometimes too short and unaccomplished.

Conclusion: I like the idea and the sound behind this work, but as the title indicates, it remains ‘short scenes’ like the teaser of a real accomplished work.

Best songs: “Scene 3”.

Rate: (6).

Artists: www.facebook.com/Machinefabriek / www.annebakker.net / www.facebook.com/annebakkermusic

Label: www.zoharum.com / www.facebook.com/zoharum

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com