Shuttle 358
Frame
2000
Dan Abrams turned a lot of heads with his impressive debut in the world of minimal electronic music with the album Optimal.lp. The very next year, Abrams managed to craft what is quite possibly his masterpiece. In fact, upon its release, several critics did not hesitate to mention Music for Airports by Eno, Selective Ambient Works by Aphex Twin, or various Biosphere records in the same sentence as Shuttle 358’s Frame.
Frame was released on Taylor Deupree’s micro house label, 12k. Amongst several excellent releases on the imprint, Frame still manages to outshine others with its brilliance. As if minimal digital music was already difficult to distinguish from pure ambient music, Abrams blends the breaks the confines of these interrelated styles. Frame is a collection of luscious microtonal soundscapes that is melancholy yet soothing. It is serene and yet never becomes plodding or drawn out. Utilizing synths and various modules, Abrams approaches this music with a focus on sound design as opposed to melodies or structure. After listening to Frame it is clear that bigger and more bombastic is not necessarily better in the world of electronic music (you hear that Aaron Funk?). -R.C.
I would really love to sit down with someone who was crazy about this album and ask them what they loved about it so much….what made it stand out from the other albums in the pack. Personally, I have no idea what would draw one to this album multiple times. It’s so bare and basic that some people would probably have a hard time calling it music, and it doesn’t really go anywhere from track to track. Did I mention that I didn’t care for it much? - Phil
While this is ambient and subtle, I think calling it basic is a bit unfair, Phil. Music like this requires a sense of restraint and delicate placement that louder, fuller, noisier music doesn't have to consider. It's an entirely different genre with an entirely different focus.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, which is why it takes really special people to notice its unique characteristics. I just don't believe most people can/are willing to do that.
ReplyDeleteSorry about that noisy background thing in the video. It's not supposed to be there. When I found the video on YouTube initially, it didn't sound like that. Weird...
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