Royal Oak Abstract Ensemble
I had this on shuffle and it came on and I listened to it for ten minutes trying to work out what it was. It sounded like a really good focused improvisation by a guitarist and a couple of percussionists with some synth sounds. I was guessing several other albums in my collection, but never once thought I was listening to a modular synth. Really unique LP.
Roland Barkey
I think this is his masterpiece in the field of abstract (or concrete) music up to date. Reminds me of "Invisible Connections" by Vangelis. Like this album a lot!!!
With this release Benge continues his series of albums composed and recorded on a single synthesiser system
The unit utilised here is a Serge Modular system composed of modules made in the early 1970s, the first generation "paper-face" editions. These were so named due to their distinctive livery, printed onto paper sheets that were then applied to the modules. These early devices are unique in their use of graphic symbols rather than written descriptions of the module's functions. Thus they have a somewhat oblique appearance and require an unusually steep learning curve to discover the system's many hidden functions
One pioneering feature of the early Serge systems is the emphasis on multifunction modules, whereby one module has the ability to be used in various ways depending upon the method of patching. For example the Dual Universal Slope Generator can, with the use of a few patch cables, be set up to act as a VCO, an LFO, an envelope generator, a simple low pass filter, a VC slew, a trigger divider, a trigger source and more. Several other modules have equally versatile functions and for this reason the system has much scope for elaborate experimentation
A second feature of the Serge that distinguishes it from other systems is the method of the patching itself; no distinction is made between audio and control signals and they both share the same type of sockets at their input and output. As the cables are able to be stacked one upon another, each output can feed multiple inputs and vice versa. The overall effect of this complex approach to patching is that it always yields unique results. Although laborious to set up, a large patch will inevitably be one-off in nature and therefore will produce a very individual sound. It also provides a unique way for the user to interact with that sound
The range of modules contained in the system used here can be configured as follows: 18 VCOs, 6 multimode filters, 18 envelope generators, multiple noise and random sources, 14 VCAs, 8 mixers, 4 phase shifters, two 8x3 sequencers, complex delay and stereo reverb units. There are also many voltage processors and logic modules
On this record Benge set up elaborate sound generation and manipulation patches and then multi-tracked several passes of audio to create two highly abstract long-form pieces
credits
released May 5, 2017
All music and artwork (c) 2017 Benge (Ben Edwards)
All rights reserved
Published by Meme Songs, 2017
Recorded at Memetune Studios, England
A fusion of ambient, classical, spoken word, and deconstructed dance music finds beauty and groove in glitches and pops. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 20, 2022
With all proceeds going to benefit Ukraine, the latest from Angela Winter is a beautifully haunting work that centers the human voice. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 16, 2022
supported by 14 fans who also own “Forms 6 - Works On Paper”
While I'm a huge fan of electronic music, I love when these projects also introduce a narrative aspect. The unfolding history of Martin's musical journey adds such a wonderful dimension while listening to these albums. Not to mention the great visuals, too.
M0T0M