Beach Sloth

Ricardo Donoso - Assimilating the Shadow 7.5   

                Ricardo Donoso is precise. Each song possesses an intense focus. Anything that could be removed is removed. Through its sheer repetition it creates an entirely otherworldly sonic universe. Whereas Ricardo’s last album ‘Progress Chance’ was quieter this is considerably louder. Indeed it teems with life. Things move very quickly and the constant streams of sound are psychedelic in nature. Aspects of this once more reference Emerald-style work, yet this is considerably more frantic than anything one would find on a Spectrum Spools release. 

                ‘Intro’ begins as a near rhythm-less ambient track. By the end of the track the rhythm that permeates each track has begun. It is carried on into ‘From Sterling to Snow’. On from there comes the most intense track ‘Chemical Structures’. Pacing is pitch-perfect. Little details are allowed to build up. For the low-end work Ricardo begins an uneasy pulse that manages to break out over the course of the track. This may be the highlight of the whole album, nicely complimented by ‘Reflection and Rotation’ as a sort of cool down, or make nice track. By ‘The Bow & the Lyre’ the album begins the second, more reflective have of the album. 

                The organization of the songs is strong. Rising action takes place in the first half with a calmer method employed at the end. Unlike his previous effort he includes more in the way of outside samples. This gives it a slightly more human feel to the music. While it remains paranoia it is a little gentler and little more approachable this time around. Overall this album rewards with repeated listens.