Exquisite artwork foreshadows layered circuitry noise and field recordings on one of Fear Konstruktor’s recent cassettes. Return to Reason appeared in two editions by Pennsylavnia imprint Strabismus Tapes (one featuring a bonus tape), packaged in a plastic bag with a hearty, pro-printed j-card, translucent cassette, and a real life leaf (according to Strabismus’ site, the standard edition of the cassette should be available).
Five tracks populate this cassette, but the overall feel is fluid, continuous, as noisy, ambient themes continue across both sides. Fear Konstruktor report that “a doepfer modular synthesizer,” as well as a DSI evolver, field recordings, and other noise makers were employed to concoct these tracks. Overall, the noise is delicately layered, and Fear Konstruktor executes surprising shifts by bringing the listener to focus on one element or thread of noise while another element enters the equation. This most effectively occurs when circuitry noise, or a heavy hum creates a monolithic wash while a field recording enters the mix.
Subtle, hazy noise succeeds over harsh tones throughout this cassette, and Fear Konstruktor effectively creates a droning ambiance while using disparate elements.
