I wouldn’t recommend listening to Progress Centre if you have a fragile disposition. The press release explains the first album from musician Craig Champion ”focusses around the psychological effects of paranoia” and claims to create “apocalyptic sonic chaos”. Strong words indeed, yet ‘Mind Out!’ is chillingly effective and soundtrack-worthy thanks to its omnipresent atmosphere of menace and well-chosen samples.
‘Subtle City’ is the idea of paranoia shaped into its most memorable form. Over a queasy distorted melody, a line from one of Charles Bukowski poem’s is read out. Meanwhile, the crazed ‘Fear The Worst’ recalls the early days of Baby Bird’s twisted pop offerings. There’s a consistent feeling of approaching danger throughout the record and it’s none more apparent on ‘Metropolis’ where the music builds up subtly into a harrowing wall of noise. ‘Bleach’ is even more impressive; some head-nodding beats, a distant voice and eerie synths combine to form a subtle but nightmarish work of ambience. Crucially, Champion cleverly juxtaposes each main track with happier-sounding interludes to add a bit of light to the bleak landscape. Because of this - and also thanks to its cinematic feel - ‘Mind Out!’ is the most commercially viable offering from Split Femur Recordings yet.
Web Sites:
Split Femur Recordings Label and Shop Site
Progress Centre MySpace
Further Listening:
Poomse, Phobos 3, Baby Bird
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