Arash Moori - Heterodyne - Type

It is likely that Arash Moori does not ring a bell to many, but remember that name, he is here to stay. Born in 1978 in Birmingham, this Madrid-based artist, promoter and producer is not a newcomer at all. He has been closely attached, among other things, to sound investigation. His terrific installation “Tones in the Voice of Shadows” (2011) — just to name one —, co-authored with Esther Mañas, proves this artist is keenly interested in experimenting with and studying shapes, light, environment and sound. Despite this intense activity, his work is not exclusively bound to that field. Throughout his career, Arash has combined this work on investigation and installations with music production and composition. Indeed, after thirteen long years of sound sculpting, “Heterodyne”, which is his debut album, has seen the light of day. Put out last 24th October by Type Recordings, this LP could be deservedly regarded as one of the most forward-looking works of 2015.

Daring, hypnotic and profound, “Heterodyne” is built upon a wide array of personal sounds. As a matter of fact, Arash manufactures and investigates multiple devices to pull out their respective sonic peculiarities, then shapes and develops more aggressive sounds, and finally merges them. The outcome of this compositional approach could be comparable to some well- established names, but the fact that he has created his own palette of self-made sounds turns this album into a unique journey. For instance, “Ruin” could be close to Tim Hecker’s “Ravedeath 1972”. It does have that overwhelming cathedral atmospheric drone flavour, however, it distills some intriguing personal something that makes this track a special one. On the other hand, the aggressiveness in “Illusory Systems of Broadcast”, which could recall Franck Vigroux’s recent works, goes far beyond ambient or drone genres, with a constant atonal techno-ish pulsation that intermingles with high pitch minimalistic effects and unprocessed tin hihats. But he saves the best for last, as “Tantalum March” is a sheer sonic impact in itself. Eleven minutes of terrific industrial sound and a never-ending mixture of rough hints that echo in the darkest corners of the brain.

As far back as the very first track, listeners should notice that this is not just any album. “Heterodyne” is a surprising and eclectic 12-track LP. Besides its sound, what makes it different is that, when listening to it, anyone should notice that not only do the speakers broadcast music, but they literally radiate powerful energy through their complex sound architecture as well. An energy that gets right to the depths of human body and mind with sensitivity, intelligence and good taste. Type’s John Twells said: "This is an album I’ve seen develop for longer than any other and it’s a pleasure to unleash it on the world. Our own collaboration LP will never see the light of day, but ‘Heterodyne’ may be one of the most personal records I’ve released on Type to date". Frankly, not much can be added. Just believe what John states, unfold your napkin and enjoy.

Tracklist

A1 Heterodyne
A2 Flowers Of Evil
A3 Parasitic Noise
A4 Nerves And Wires
A5 Illusory Systems Of Broadcast
A6 Ruins
B1 Vomitorium
B2 Possession
B3 Doppelganger
B4 Plasma Arcs
B5 Heterodyne II
B6 Tatalum March

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