Composer and synthesist Jeremiah Chiu offers up a solo record this week. And while it's more electronica than jazz, it's as invigorating as his work in SML. Edge Conditions is, of course, on International Anthem.
Edge Conditions opens with the brief "Way In" which is sort of the intro to "A.M. Fuses", a clanging contraption of a cut. That one echoes stuff like Aphex Twin a little bit, while the sleek synth-lines of the title track make for a more enjoyable musical interlude. There are rhytmic textures on that one and "Interfaces" which may recall old Jon Hassell stuff for some, though Jermiah Chiu keeps his material more peppy and concise. "A Floral Pattern" stands as the real highlight of Edge Conditions. On this one, Chiu blends very Eighties-style synths with a sort of blissed out vibe. It's not radical or anything, but it's a nice bit of throwback business.
If you're like me and a fan of Jeremiah Chiu partly because of his involvement in SML, you'll likely be a little surprised at what's on Edge Conditions. There's nothing here so risky, but the material is all consistently engaging, and sure to please fans of stuff like Red Snapper, Mouse on Mars, and so on.
Edge Conditions by Jeremiah Chiu is out on Friday via International Anthem. Details below.
[Photo: Brian Guido]