Ensemble Skalectrik is a side-project of Nick ‘Ekoplekz’ Edwards. Previous emissions include the self-released psycho-geographical abstraction of “Snuff Mill Tapes” and a homage to Maurizio Bianchi via Feral Tapes. Focusing entirely on spontaneous composition and one-take improvisation, Ensemble Skalectrik represents the most raw, extreme performance-based electronic music in Edwards’ repertoire.
On ”Trainwrekz”, Edwards has dusted-off his turntables, grabbed a stack of old vinyl (mainly sound effects and easy listening albums), added a selection of sound-shaping devices (filters, equalizers, loop-pedals) and proceeded to record a series of delirious, derailed sonic sketches that sound like nothing else in his rapidly expanding discography.
Ranging from the portentous pile-up of ”Wrekwahn”, the oppressive atmospherics of “Wrekfore” and the serene ornithological drift of “Wreksikz”, these half-dozen pieces document the emergence of a highly personalized form of turntablism that incorporates elements of Chance, Drone, Dub, Hauntology, Musique Concrete and Free Improvisation.
Performed and recorded in three sessions during the month of November, 2012. additional production and mix jan.2013 Active Participants: Alesis Nano Compressor, BASF Chrome cassette (x2), Belcat Delay, Chance, Danelectro ‘Reel Echo’, Ekdahl ‘Moisturizer’, Electrix ‘EQ Killer’, Electro-Harmonix ’The Worm’, Muza FD900 ‘M Ambience’, Nick Edwards, Rocktek 6 Band EQ, Stanton STR8-30 direct drive turntable (x2), Yamaha MT3X cassette multitrack and a selection of vinyl LP records.
Great, great album. I was attracted to it at first because the band is on an electronic label but used a font on the cover that reminded me of black metal. Sounds like super pissed off Kraftwerk. Clicked it, loved it, bought it, rock it. Clint Kyle
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