Review: Down Review – From Here, For Anyone

Down Review is what one may loosely call as a “spin off” group, which is only a small step away from terms such as “hobby band” and “stopgap between proper records”. In this case though, the two protagonists (Arc Lab’s Medard Fischer and Near The Parenthesis’ Tim Arndt) deliver further proof that it’s possible to make beautiful music without ever being in the same room together.

Beginning with the deliciously comforting sounds of ‘Anything Is Everything’, the scene is set for some lovely, warm instrumental music. It recalls a mixture of Kraftwerk and – somewhat incongruously – The Edge’s subtle chiming guitar work of a 1984 vintage. In an apparent reversal of approach, ‘Archive’ is initially unsettling and provocative as its breakbeats and synth noise threaten to assault the listener. Yet eventually a dark melody emerges which is every bit as addictive as the first track. ‘Always Enough’ is colourful and playful; its cut-ups and samples conjuring up images of clockwork toys but once again the tune and air of mystery are of paramount importance. Finally, ‘All In’ busies itself with layer upon layer of electronic wizardry but it is arguably the weakest of the four contributions.

Luddites will profess that the Internet is killing music but ‘From Here, For Anyone’ shows that bringing together talents via computers and wires is something to celebrate. Especially so when they produce electronica featuring such distinctly human qualities.

Web Sites:
Down Review MySpace
Hidden Shoal Recordings Label and Shop Site

Further Listening:
Near The Parenthesis, Arc Lab