AODL — Grandview Manifesto

Salt Lake City noiser, Jeff Shell, and his noise project, AODL, are back with a fun new C22 from Forever Escaping Boredom. With two comforting tracks of static and pulses, Grandview Manifesto tickles the ear without overdoing it. Not minimal by any stretch, but steering clear of Incapacitants-esque levels of sonic decimation, AODL finds a nice, noisy balance somewhere in the middle, like Cheez-Its for the soul.

Low, electronic rumble and high chirping start "Cutting Can City" like some sort of prehistoric, techno-dinosaur film. Panning back and forth, stalking the scene, the sounds open up to reveal a commercial sample. The churning, low end rumble persists throughout and carries along a variety of chirps, squeals, and squelches. Oscillating it's way through each turn, "Cutting Can City" is constantly moving and changing without getting overly dynamic. Not extending itself too far, this track is entertaining while remaining very comfortable. Playing like an epileptic Atari through a broken television, "Quiet Living" picks up the mantle of the previous song; based on continuous low end growl, AODL's style becomes quite obvious. Unlike the first, the highs here are less birdlike and play more like crunchy feedback. Filling in more of the mid-range than before, this song hearkens back to the noise of the mid 90's. It's not as harsh, but the depth and approach feel the same. Bubbling up in the middle, AODL makes a nice distinction between the layers in both speed and destination. Very active and constantly moving, "Quiet Living" sounds like it was a very fun track to record.
 
Twenty minutes of noise seems to be a good amount. AODL's Grandview Manifesto moves and crunches without getting tired (both in motion and in reception). Playing in the middle of the harshness spectrum, this album would appeal to beginners and experts alike. There are plenty of interesting sounds on the many layers, and many different rabbit holes for the ears to get lost down. Looks like I've found another artist to keep my eye out for.