~scape

scape23

v.a.
but then again Half a decade and still going strong - to mark its fifth anniversary, Berlin-based label ~scape has decided to release a new compilation: "But Then Again". Entirely by chance this notable release coincides with catalogue number 23, but mysticism, confusion or conspiracy theories are pretty much the opposite of what ~scape represents. On the contrary - the label´s philosophy is based on clear statements, quality and aesthetics, on meticulous R&D and its translation into sustainable ideas, to continue the label´s history and integrity. ~scape´s consistently high standards focus on the delicate equilibrium where a healthy mix of conceptual density and substantial purity prevents any dilution of quality or principle. In this field, far from any arbitrariness or repetition, futility or posing ~scape explores its unbridled passion for music, based on sincerity and an astute presence of mind. "But Then Again" is a felicitous homage to the swung dash - after many artist albums and EPs this is the first ever ~scape compilation to completely and voluntarily dispense with any conceptual framework, something which had worked extremely well for the brilliantly executed Staedtizism-series. Again, openness is paramount, plenty of scope and ~scape for the diversity characteristic of the label and its artists after fiveyears. All fifteen tracks featured on the compilation are new and as yet unpublished, most of them were created with this minor anniversary in mind. Although references to the intricate ~scape sound abound, "But Then Again" is anything but a review of the label´s back catalogue. In fact, it serves as an experimental piñata with a bellyful of musical ideas ranging from dub and clicks to hip-hop, jazz, funk and popart, a rich surprise best cracked with a laser beam. A 12inch vinyl release series of the compilation is currently scheduled for early 2005. The honour of opening the compilation goes to Japanese collective CAPPABLACK and their hip-hop for the "5th dimension" for which they cross Casio sounds with charity shop rhythms and melodies in an anti-imperialist disco beat. On "Take 5" THOMAS FEHLMANN then plays blind man´s bluff with a dub funk that loves to chase itself. With his breathy elegy "Remembrance" MIKE SHANNON FEAT. JUNE from Canada has opted for slo-mo experiments, followed by a slightly faster house beat by Californian producer JOHN TEJADA who wishes the label, himself and all listeners "And Many More". Canada´s DEADBEAT hums the popular bumblebee dub on "We like it slow and steady" while BUS try not to lose their balance on DABRYE´s high wire flageolet hooks, elegantly side-stepping their own question "What is Paris". TRIOLA aka Jörg Burger promotes minimalist well-being with his nimble beat and subtle melodies and JAN JELINEK pulls the invisible strings of hardly tangible effects for his monoistic sound composition "Western Mimimikry". EPO, on the other hand, the Electronic Panorama Orchestra of Danish jazz virtuoso August Engkilde, supplies the bittersweet indie pop pleasure of "Doorstep". And while ANDREW PEKLER enjoys picking the jazz to pieces, Australian trio TRIOSK have made it their mission to put it back together again. SOULO AND HEADSET experiment with electronics, acoustics, recorder and harmonica. And "Destination Vertical", the joint effort of RECHENZENTRUM VS. MASHA, adds a true pop-o-tronic hit with guitar-based shuffle beats and an extended effects solo. For their Danish fanfare echoes SYSTEM have reverted to geriatric leisureliness and, to round it all off, CRACKHAUS from Canada invite us all to join them in the future dancehall for a round of stumbling dub, including a guessing game for hardcore fans: who can identify all the samples from nine previous ~scape releases?