"O" - Numero 0
[Antenna]

"O" believe the mastering of an instrument to be an illusion, a fact which is clearly demonstrated in this, their first UK release, and third release on the Antenna label.

"O" are a French duo, who quote themselves as being influenced by archaeology, plastic arts and poetry. They insist the listener is the only artist involved and who creates new music.

Numero 0 is s sparse collection of guitar sounds, claps and a scattering of static. There are uncomfortable silences at arbitrary points in most of the tracks, which linger for too long than seems necessary.

There is an intentional lack of structure within Numero 0, with a distinct reluctance to create any consistency throughout any one track. Rhythms emerge, only to dissipate as soon as they're noticed. Occasional electronic sounds lift the album, but are not sufficient to bulk it out. The focus on minimalism and basic layers doesn't seem to work within the basis of primordial experimentation.

The feeling I get from Numero 0 is that it's more of a concept than anything else, an idea that won't translate into practical or real terms. It is starkly minimalist and appears to achieve its purpose. However, it raises the question: When can noise no longer be classed as music?