Beach Sloth

Leedian - Stunting Noise 7.0

                ‘Stunting Noise’ represents two extremes in terms of sound. First Leedian comes out with a rather ambient sound. Then, as a song progress, it is slowly destroyed through constant assaults of beats, distorted noise and rapid pace pulses. Or it could be the noise trying in vain to bring itself above the ambient noises. Either instance results in a rather bizarre take to sound. Considering the extremely conservative nature of noise musicians this is a rather interesting approach.

                Distortion is used it very heavy dollops. The beat structure reminds me of ‘drum n’ bass’ gone horribly wrong. I get that impression from ‘Triton’ which has a jumping melody trying to escape the chaos surrounding it. Other songs avoid this formula altogether, using simply out of focus sound to get their point across. ‘Chaplet’, ‘Red Corona’ and the tender duo of ‘Rain’ to ‘Tuft’ show how this focus away from immediate distortion can create an emotional resonant feel to the music. These pieces appear to be situated as ambient interludes, showing the fragile sounds underneath all the distortion. ‘Tang’ is the loudest, most aggressive attack on sound. Here is where Leedian comes closest to embracing an extremely harsh approach to drum n’ bass. It is rather enjoyable and is probably one of my favorites on the album.

                ‘Sly’ ends it after a few tracks of relaxation. Lead by incredibly sped up sample it really lumbers around to it the final conclusion, supported by a sarcastic beat and incredible levels of distortion as it dissolves away into nothing. Stunting Noise is a weird contradictory mix of the gentle and harsh.