1
8
A
u
g
u
s
t
2
0
0
8
8
A
u
g
u
s
t
2
0
0
8
Basic Channel: Mutism
While the most memorable of Moritz Von Oswald and Mark Ernestus’ Basic Channel’s tracks are built around techno 4/4 beats, perhaps softened to suit the rest of the mix, the interesting ones redefine electronic music. Or music, generally.
Mutism is what happens when you take away to an extreme level. It’s the sound of a bare dub-plate left to score its groove from the ambience that surrounds us. Documenting the smallest responses to the physical reverberations that bind our lives to this planet. Butterfly chimes, the chatter of micro-organisms, electronic gurgles, dusty tunnels and crackle of burning wood. It’s all here. It may have been born from machines, but it’s clearly not owned by them. This is our music.
