Oval

A decade after Ovalcommers closed a chapter on Markus Popp's exploration into digital processes, this limited twelve-inch introduces a new generation, and direction, to the "Oval sound." In his artist statement, Popp discusses wanting to put "dissection" aside and "to try making 'real' music for a change." This "real" music involves drums and guitars that are fully unmasked in the mix, both played in a nervy staccato that simulates Popp's micro-edit style in an organic milieu. The computer interface still comes into play, but more to pitch sounds or push them closer together than to alter their natural course. Popp reportedly used cheap PCs and existing software rather than his esoteric programming to create this work. The A-side, especially opener "hey," is a rumpus of rhythms and tones similar to early Radian or Tortoise in their digital-aided post-rock form. The B-side is an overflow (12 tracks!) of brief, minimalist "ringtones" for neuromancers. Stay tuned for the reported 90-track double album later this year.