Attrition

3 Arms and a Dead Cert (Darkwave)
by Nicole Howard

Warning: Must be cool, calm, tranquil and ocean bliss blue to listen to this or you’ll flatline. Existential egg of a CD with soft murmuring sounds (and possible subliminal messages urging you to meditate) aimed at bringing you in between inner and outer consciousness. Mastermind Martin Bowes uses analog/digital electronics to deal with his saint hysteria dew-drop subjects, such as karma in “Slice of Life,” near-death experiences in “Predicament?” and demi-gods in “Demi-God.” An intense female joins the techno-fest with expressive rising crescendos of operatic vocals, conjuring the vast images afloat in Attrition’s universe. A soothing or shattering CD, depending on how you look at it, and worth a listen due to its utilitarian uniqueness and complexity. Pure.