a reissue of two previously separate digital only releases. „seeker“ is remastered

Navigating the world of experimental music often feels like a solitary journey through a dense, uncharted wilderness. Dave Phillips’ latest release, actually coupling two releases in one, “Should a Seeker Not Find a Companion Who Is Better or Equal, Let Him Resolutely Pursue a Solitary Course; There Is No Fellowship with the Fool” (even writing the title by its initials would be quite longer!) and “Cicada Trance”, aptly encapsulates this sentiment, offering an aural expedition that’s both challenging and, at times, bewildering. The first track/recording, clocking in at a formidable 56:16, is a structured arrangement of field recordings from reptilian, amphibian, and insect-centered origins. This piece, originally released in 2008 and now remastered for physical format, is a testament to Phillips’ dedication to his craft. The use of gurgles, primal roars, and nocturnal screams creates an immersive soundscape that can only be described as hyperreal. It’s a cacophony of nature’s raw, unfiltered voices, meticulously woven into a complex yet somewhat rhythmic tapestry. Ironically, while the title suggests a solitary course free from the fool, the piece itself demands a patient and discerning listener—qualities often in short supply among those quick to dismiss such unconventional soundscapes. The track’s length and intensity might deter the casual listener, but for the seasoned seeker, it offers a rich and rewarding experience, full of subtle nuances and organic textures. The second track/recording, “Cicada Trance”, extends the journey for another hour and two minutes. Here, Phillips delves deeper into the realm of field recordings, constructing an almost meditative experience out of the incessant drone of cicadas. The trance-like quality of this piece is both its strength and its Achilles’ heel. The relentless buzz can either hypnotize or aggravate, depending on the listener’s disposition. One cannot help but marvel at the irony: an album that purports to distance itself from folly requires a kind of foolish devotion to endure. The immersive nature of “Cicada Trance” demands complete surrender to its repetitive, droning cadence. It’s a challenge, a dare even, for the listener to find beauty and solace in what might initially seem monotonous. Dave Phillips’ “Should a Seeker… / Cicada Trance” is a profound exploration of natural soundscapes, meticulously crafted and presented with a soldier’s sense of duty, as described in the release information. Phillips’ extensive experience with field recordings and his punk-rooted, experimental approach shine through, making this release a significant, if esoteric, addition to his oeuvre. However, the album’s demanding nature and extensive lengths are a double-edged sword. For those willing to engage deeply, it offers an unparalleled auditory journey, rich with detail and organic beauty. For others, it might appear as a nearly hour-long endurance test, a solitary course indeed. Whether you find yourself resolutely pursuing this solitary course or abandoning it for more familiar territory, Phillips’ work undeniably commands respect for its uncompromising vision and execution.

(Vito Camarretta, Chain D.L.K., June 2024)

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No Part Of It ist das Leftfield, in das sich Arvo Zylo abgesondert hat, um ‘Delirious Music for delirious People’ zu entfalten. Seine eigene, auch als Blood Rhythm, und die von Geistesverwandten, obskuren wie Architeuthis Dux, EaViL, Thirteen Hurts, Wax Fruit, Nital Etch, Death Factory, Sharkiface oder namhaften wie Illusion Of Safety & Z’EV. Oder DAVE PHILLIPS. Should A Seeker Not Find A Companion Who Is Better Or Equal, Let Him Resolutely Pursue A Solitary Course; There Is No Fellowship With The Fool./Cicada Trance (2xCD) vereint die Remasterversion seiner digitalen Radical Matters-Veröffentlichung von 2008 mit der letztjährigen Datei einer Grillenorgie. Da schälen sich aus der Stille erstmal nur ganz allmählich Laute von Insekten, Amphibien und Reptilien, insbesondere der Paarungsruf des Tokeh, eines getüpfelten Geckos, der mords großtut für seine max. 35 cm. Wobei Phillips der animalischen Orchestralität quakender, schnarrender, blökender und letztlich selbst onomatopoetisch kaum zu fassender Klänge auf grilligem Basso continuo mani­pulativ noch etwas auf die Sprünge hilft. So dass sich Lebenslust in jahrmillionenalten Routinen mischt mit dem ebenso alten Immersoweiter des Fressens und Gefressen­werdens, von dem der Mensch ja wohl am wenigsten behaupten kann, kein Teil davon zu sein. Phillips inszeniert das betont tragikomisch und grotesk als surrealen Grand Guignol, der, wenn nicht freiweg grausig, so doch auf drastische Weise fragwürdig klingt. Wie da die Lächerlichkeit tierischer Sexualität schon im aufgeblasenen Kleinformat von Fremd­scham auf Scham überzuspringen droht, das kommentiert sich keckernd und grunzend selbst. Und kommt mir nicht mit: Sei kein Frosch. Was die Zikaden angeht und eine Sinn­gebung ihres Stridulierens, würde Phillips die Deutung als ‘mating calls’ und ‘territorial calls’ gern erweitern um ein absichtsloses Moment der Lebensfreude und der Daseinsfeier kleiner Musikanten. Ihr orgiastisch-hypnotisches Lärmen in ohrensprengender, diskanter Eindringlichkeit, aufgenommen seit 1995 in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesien und Südafrika, das verdichtet er noch zu primordialer Elektroakustik, in der die Sound Culture eine ihrer Nilquellen findet. Hier ist das zugespitzt in einem metalloiden iiiii ‘singender’ Schleifstein­frequenzen, wobei Vogelstimmen das in die Natur rückbetten.

(Rigobert Dittmann, Bad Alchemy, Issue BA 120, August 2023)

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As we all know, you can easily find noise music in nature. I am not a biologist, but I think cicadas exist in many countries, warm countries or just during the summer in some others. They are fascinating creatures, and many musicians have used recordings of them. Dave Phillips is the latest, and we know him as give or take, a man of noise music. In 1995 he spent six months in Thailand, and ever since, he has wanted to do a piece of music using recordings of cicadas. This now comes as ‘Cicada Trance’ and a work with a very long title, ‘Should A Seeker Not Find A Companion Who Is Better Or Equal, Let Him Resolutely Pursue A Solitary Course; There Is No Fellowship With The Fool’. That piece was originally released in digital form by Radical Matters and used sounds of reptilian, amphibian, and insectan origin. Let’s start here, as this is the first piece in the box. I think that the insects make up the backbone of the piece via long-form sustaining sounds, and on top of that, there are animal sounds, roaring and screaming, sometimes rhythmic, but I am unsure to what extent Phillips uses sound effects. There are none (so I believe, at least), and it’s all a matter of overlaying sounds until a musical dialogue arises. This is quite a long piece at fifty-six minutes, but it’s a great excursion. Strangely, I thought that this was indeed very much a Dave Phillips piece. It’s loud but dynamic, and in some of his work, Phillips uses similar sounds but then of a different origin, such as his mouth or body. Dynamics are not part of the other six, six minutes longer. Here Phillips uses just recordings of cicadas from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and South Africa and places these together. Whereas ‘Should’ rocks back and forth, and sounds repeat, disappear but also return, no such thing happens here. It’s piercingly high frequencies going on and on, just like they do in nature. It is almost like a harsh noise wall, but one realizes that this is all nature’s (true!) forces. If you listen closely, and I did as I found this very compelling music, one notes minimalist changes or even melodic singing, especially in the second half. Here too, I can easily see this as a piece of music by Dave Phillips, but this time using only field recordings, and at that from various recordings from one animal. It is recommended to be heard by headphones, which I tried, but I must admit I thought it was too much at least the cicada piece. The other one worked great with headphones. What a blast! (FdW)

(Frans de Waard, Vital Weekly, Issue 1382, April 2023)