BEAK> - BEAK>
Only through rules are we truly free.
Portishead, famously, took 11 years between their second and third albums. Geoff Barrow is in no mood to wait around any more – BEAK> is his new project with Billy Fuller (Fuzz Against Junk) and Matt Williams (Team Brick).
This album's rapid appearance on the horizon, before its smooth movement into focus may be due to the manifesto behind it. Everything here was recorded live, with no overdubs or repair, only using edits to create the tracks, in 12 days. Nothing lends itself to productivity like a self restrictive template.
These songs are discordant. Groans and wordless chants feature throughout, the rudimentary keyboard lines and dark basslines creating an ominous presence. Motorik beats hold it together – 'Pill' is a menace, propelled onwards by its own tempo. 'Ham Green' starts slightly, whispering in the breeze, before the bass gets distorted, things get angry, almost proggy, keyboard and guitar wibbles joining in.
These songs are all about progress. Few parts repeat for too long before they shift, alter, or stop. Songs this ambient can drift by – BEAK> keeps you engaged.
These songs are vocal-less, but not human-less. Throughout, this feels like something where the machines are organic.
These songs are beautiful. The delicate shimmer of guitars contrast with the heavy bassline on 'Battery Point', building and building upwards. Post rock always makes you think of science fiction, and want to write overwrought descriptions of epic structures. It's only truer here.
These songs are occasionally boring. 'Ears Have Ears' has no semblance of melody – it's a half finished jam.
This album is different. And that is why it's worth listening to. The krautrock/postrock/electronica that influences it makes it beguiling. Through their constraints BEAK> have created something distinctly 'other'. Only through rules are we truly free.
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