release date: Mar. 17. 2008
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,58]
producer: John Cummings
label: ATP Recordings - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Sweet Love for Planet Earth" - 2. "Ribs Out" - 5. "Bright Tomorrow" - 6. "Colours Move"
Studio album debut by British electronic duo Fuck Buttons consisting of Andrew Hung and Benjamin John Power, the latter also synonymous with the acclaimed solo-project Blanck Mass initiated 2011. Apparently, the two got together as early as 2004 when Hung was into Aphex Twin whereas Power was a fan of Mogwai - the album is produced by founding member of Mogwai, John Cummings - and that basically explains much of the duo's starting point, although, the album here reveal a new aspect of their music, which initially was about... noise.
The founding denominator on Street Horrrsing is the electronic progressive element, although both members may be said to be grounded in instrumental experimental electronica.
The album both seems inspired by the aforementioned artists but is really anything but merely a copy. The drone element is everywhere and the compositions are often built on a structure of simple, repetitive patterns that either transforms slowly or abrupt. On all compositions the duo play with harmony and chaos. There's always some soothing melody line, here and there, and at the same time, there's noise, or: a bleak darkness underneath that keeps you alert. It's definitely an album for listeners, and if you don't find it appealing at first, you may give it a second chance.
