No Movement No Sound No Memories - Removed/Acetate
[Lux Nigra]

Removed/Acetate is an awkward listen, but only because of its apparent versatility. It drifts between easy electronica, experimental noise and minimal drones, with hidden stitches pulling a multitude of genres together.

The album is a collective work between Thaddi Herman and Micha Zorn, consisting of Removed, an EP released in 1999, supplemented by a handful of new works and remixes from Removed tracks by the likes of such established names as Arovane and Modeselektor.

Herman and Zorn's style has evolved explicitly in the seven years since the original EP, with tracks on the recent half of the album existing as a more challenging listen but carrying a definite air of maturity. Tracks are better structured, even under the remixed Removed tracks.

Vacuous Movement is a difficult five minutes, with relentless high end beats driving a backdrop of heavy breathing, mechanical clunks and throbbing heartbeat. Other tracks vary in style quite astoundingly, with the opening track delving into sublime electronica and basic channel drones whereas the Pole remix digs its claws into minimal techno territory.

An incredible force to be reckoned with, Removed/Acetate is for the very adventurous listener, it depicts perfectly a confused consciousness, struggling for continuity and a sense of self identity.