BASS COMMUNION V MUSLIM GAUZE

Bass Communion v Muslim Gauze is equal parts abrasive and enjoyable. This EP is a fun, beat-oriented progressive electronic album that works as great contrast against my previous Bass Communion experience, which was Ghosts On Magnetic Tape. The cover suggests a serene, oceanic feel should be present on this album, and that does occasionally come through in the music. The bass sounds of this EP sound as though you're hearing them through ears that are submersed in water, and the pop and crackle of water entering the ear canal is also an element that shows up frequently. Unfortunately, most of "Six" doesn't really give off a great example of oceanic atmosphere - it's rather dancy, spacey, mechanic and fast- paced for serenity, though it is still a fun track with a nice beat to get your body movin'.

This EP is the continuation of the Bass Communion and Muslimgauze collaboration started in their album. This EP takes the last two tracks that were completed by the pair, each at almost 10 minutes.

"Six" is more of a trance-like composition with a repetitive tribal rhythm and the atmospherics from BC's ambient music. As with the album, there are plenty of electronic clicks and pops added into the mix. It definitely has a danceable trance vibe throughout it's entire length.

"Seven" is more ambient and experimental, with the tick, tick, pop, pop pattern. Soon, a drone comes in and takes over the pattern and a backward sounding rhythm starts and stops along with a looped electronic sequence. The drone appears and disappears at different times, but the rhythm pattern remains most of the way through.

Again, as with the album, it is impossible to determine what No-man source material was used as it is processed and manipulated to the nth degree. However, this EP is easier to listen to because it is not in such a large dose as the album. If you can find this EP, it would be smart to begin with it to see if you like this combination of Muslimgauze's noise rock and Bass Communion's ambience and then you can progress to the longer album. As for me, again, it is too repetitive and abrasive with the electronic noises and percussion patterns, but it's easier to take in a smaller dose.