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 Micronism - Inside a quiet mind CD (KOG1002)
Inside A Quiet Mind is a collection of tracks showcasing the downier side of McCarthyism. They span a number of years and denote a thread of work rather than an about face of style. Hence the alias Micronism (as opposed to Mechanism.) And the lowkey local label Kog Transmissions. McCarthy being the closest thing New Zealand has to a techno star, with his extensive resume of DJ shenanigans and live performances, makes this CD a new and impressive chapter in his body of work. His talent and output belies his dewy age of 21. Working from a bedroom setup that is several depths below state of the art, using some bizarre and alchemic method, McCarthy has produced a standout album. It is at once rich, lush and unashamedly melodic and conversely melancholic and rhythmically unusual. This balance is how McCarthy treads a bittersweet path away from the great morass of fromage frais without sacrificing emotional depth in the process. What does it sound like though? Think; Drexciya's electro workouts - heavy basslines coupling with frenetic analog keyboards. Then think of the string laden soulful nature of Detroit techno. Then think of the experimental percussion of Germanic techno, only funkier. Then stop thinking about genres + go + buy + listen. It's just Denver McCarthy. What has remained consistent from Morningstar through Inside A Quiet Mind is the rounded complexity and cohesiveness of the music. McCarthy writes songs, not tracks. It is his incredible capability with the dynamics of songwriting that sets him apart from the technoid pretenders. Tara Greer |
First D. McCarthy did rain down upon us Morningstar's harder than yo' ass techno bombshells. And now he bestows the softness that is Inside A Quiet Mind. Confused fans ask 'Which is the real Denver McCarthy? Has he forsaken his hardcore? Er, has the sun stopped shining? Nope.