Pole 3

This is a haunting minimalistic recording of beats and tones overlaid with crackles, pops, hiss and other sounds. The soundscape is totally engaging and entrancing. An example of how you can do so much with so little. How can a recording be so simple and complex at the same time?A strange intriguing recording, well worth a listen.I have not set out to write reviews of the music content as “beauty is in the ears of the listener”. These reviews are about the quality (or not) of the recorded sound. To read about how the reviews are done please see my profile. • Clarity – Stunning you can hear a pin or an elephant drop • Channel separation – Very good • Channel balance – Very good a dynamic mix where the clicks rattle, buzz and bang around the channels • Sound Stage – Expansive, a very sparse recording yet managing to fill a broad sound stage • Distortion – Presumably the distortion that is present is intentional • Compression – Non audible • Atmosphere – Deeply atmospheric, rich yet minimal, each sound is atmospheric • Bass – low frequencies – Deep, rich, reverberating rattles in the bowels of the basement • Treble – high frequencies – Crisp, clear built on crackles, pops, hiss and other sounds yet evocative and haunting • Vocals – audible as a background toneAs a general rule of thumb recordings from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s are nearly always better on the original vinyl. Remasters often fail to please as it’s just not possible to make a silk purse from a sows ear, i.e. the original recording lacks the necessary detail to be processed digitally and show an audible improvement. Indeed such processing can make the sound worse.Modern recordings which have been processed digitally from start to finish can be as good as vinyl. CD’s are often unfairly criticised for being poor quality. This is not the case, it is the original recording or the process which is to blame. Modern “remasters” can both enhance and degrade a recording. The statement GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out) is the limiting factor. Ignore this at your cost.

Excellent for those chilled and mellow sessions. Really grows on you after a few listens. Very talented producer.