I first have to admit, this is my introduction to Negative Format material (I've heard a couple remixes, but I don't believe that counts). So, don't look at this for information on how Negative Format has progressed, it's more of a look into what you should expect to hear if you decide to purchase this excellent e.p. Before I really dig into this release and the artist behind it, I should also let you also know about my slight bias...I like trance music. I've dj'ed in different Florida clubs since 1992 and Trance has been used in a pretty big chunk of my sets.
First a little background on Negative Format.
From the Sector 9 Studios website:
"Negative Format is the musical creation of Alex Matheu. From its inception, Negative Format has pushed the boundaries of the electronic music scene. Blending his earlier Electro-EBM influences with his current interests in various styles of Techno and Trance, Alex has developed a sound that is truly his own."
I can't completely agree with this. I've heard other attempts at mixing these styles, BUT I can say that Negative Format, out of Tampa, FL, by the way, does it better than any i've ever heard in the past.
Now, the Static e.p. itself is what I see as an excellent blend of both harder EBM beats within a trance style composition. The slight effect on the vocals gives it that EBM character which has made quite a come back in the past few years. The lyrics paint a picture of our sometimes very dark world...darker for many than it is for others.
Taking the trance aesthetic and not letting it wimp out, these tracks are all strong enough for both at home or in the club dancing. The only weak point of this e.p. is the fact that the mixes of "Static" (by Informatik, headscan and Implant) are not very different. In fact, they all seem to take the song to a slightly more techno arena only changing the rhythm slightly (though Implant did add a new sample). Overall most of them seem to have simply changed an effect or two, either on the vocals or keyboard parts.
This might sound like a bad thing, but "Static" itself is such a strong composition, plus the e.p. contains four other tracks (not including the intro and outro) which are just as good, so it's not a total drawback for the release. The e.p. clocks in at a total of just over 50 minutes. Not only does Negative Format have a new fan, but I will definitely be checking out more of the earlier releases to see just how "industrial" it used to be.
This release couldn't have come at a more poignant time, it's a song about the "static in our lives." I don't normally venture into interpreting a writers words for a review (that's up to the individual listener in my opine), but "Static" all but screams, "Our world is now very different because of September 11, 2001." With news chanels pumping out almost 23 of 24 hours a day coverage about the impending anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, one can't help but hear these lyrics and know what's being discussed.
"our nation it weeps
from the static in our eyes
taken forces inside me
as they live in infamy
degradation of our freedoms
from the static in our lives."
it continues
"our media it lies
grafting terror in our minds
twist the truth for all to see
as they show false imagery
news production from the past
placing hatred in our lives."
Also included on this disc are three new songs and a new remix of "n.e.a.r." (originally on 'Distant Pulses') worked over by Aiboforcen. Overall this e.p. is well worth the purchase price. Keep an eye out as not only will there be a new full length due out later this year, under the working title of "Cipher Methods," but a tour is inevitable. And on top of all of this, Negative Format is putting together 4 tracks for U-Turn from Art Of Fact Records. U-turn is a callaboration between 2 artists, and NF will be paired up with Massiv In Mensch.
News update: The full album, "Cipher Method," which is a concept record and contains "Static" is available now from Sector 9 Studios and fine record stores near you! If you didn't buy the e.p. (not sure why you wouldn't, except maybe out of principle you don't purchase singles or e.p.) then you should definitely pick this one up.
More info on Negative Format and Sector 9 Studios can be found at their official sites:
