
Train Cemetery - Beneath The Roots [Reason Art Records - 0000]Beneath The Roots offers up three textural creative examples of walled-noise from Elektrostal Russia-based project. The release comes in the form of a C90, coming in an edition of ten copies, and as of this review, the label still has copies left. Train Cemetery are one of the more consistent, interesting, and rewarding projects to appear on the wall noise scene in the last few years. And I’m happy to say this release from late last year is up to the quality of the other work I’ve heard from this project.
The release consists of two twenty-two & a half minute tracks, and one forty-five minute track. And first up we have “Beneath The Roots I”- this is centered around a constantly tunneling, yet slightly jumping cable like juddering/ dull billow. This is surrounded by a selection of thinner & smaller insect-like snapping ‘n’ scrapping textures. Together these elements create a ‘wall’ that is both entrancing & moody in it unfold- it’s a great opening to the release, making you eager to hear more.
So next on side A we “Beneath The Roots II”. This ‘wall’ is a tighter & more detailed blend of the following elements- a hollow & semi murky rumble/ judder, a selection of thinner snapping ‘n’ worming tones, and an occasional thinner/ smaller shaker like tone. This ‘wall’ is most satisfying in its balanced micro detail- and it also fits very nicely with the title of the release, as it does conjure up images sped-up footage of roots worming their way through the earth.
So flipping over to side B, and we “Beneath The Roots III”, and of course this is the longest track here taking up the whole of this side of the tape. This ‘wall’ is a blend of the following textures- a slurred & slightly uneven cable judder, a selection of snapping ‘n’ rushing, and a distant hiss. These elements are brought together to create a both moody & appealing ‘wall’, which had a most organic feel about it. It brought to mind a blend of slow underground water flow, sped-up root like worming, and earthy bleak-ness.
With Beneath The Roots Train Cemetery presents the listener with three very worthy & appealing walls, which are creative in their textural blend & theme fitting in their presentation. All told another impressive release from this project, and well worth snapping up before there all gone.
     Roger Batty
|