Tuesday 18 April 2017

Album: Early Hominids - "040117"


'The immediate ancestors of humans were members of the genus Australopithecus. The australopithecines (or australopiths) were intermediate between apes and people. Both australopithecines and humans are biologically similar enough to be classified as members of the same biological tribe--the Hominini. All people, past and present, along with the australopithecines are hominins. We share in common not only the fact that we evolved from the same ape ancestors in Africa but that both genera are habitually bipedal, or two-footed, upright walkers. By comparison, chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas are primarily quadrupedal, or four-footed.'

Hominins Neil Campbell and Paul Walsh may be people, but on 040117 it is quite possible to imagine they are machines, tormented machines. What troubles the machines? We can only guess. Small electronic generators + fx transmit 'messages' from Campbell and Walsh in a darkened room, for around three hours, but who is controlling who and to what extent does the 'third mind' play a part? If these transmissions actually reflect the mental states of the duo, they should be examined. Thankfully, I don't think they do. In this purely improvisational zone anything can happen; at times, it's as if three minds and the machines have synced briefly before shooting off into each other's private realm, to connect, disconnect. If it is 'uneasy' listening it is because Early Hominids have no inclination toward making concessions. In this sense, it is a pure sound. Indulgent, you might say, but what is special about any creative act if it is not one of sheer indulgence by the artist? This very limited release is available here for just £4 and as a bonus you get exceptional, randomly chosen, artwork by Paul Walsh on the cover.

A taste of them 'live'...

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