by: Zero Sharp
Light, surreal, and airy. That was my first impression of casino vs. japan's new CD, "whole numbers play the basics." The music is strictly minimalist simple drones and synth melodies over slightly distorted trip-hop and down tempo beats. Sound familiar? It probably does. Casino vs. Japan is often compared to the Boards of Canada, and I think the comparison flatters both of them. The soundscapes in this CD are incredible, with some tracks fleeting and unbearably light while others border eerie darkness. The whole CD is well thought-out, with a beatiful, evolving mood throughout, making it something that you'll want to listen to all the way through if played. Many of the soundscapes that feel melodic are deceptively simple. Even if each piece is simple, the combination gives rise to something completely fresh. Some good examples are the absolute funk that is the track "summer clip". "single variation of two" is another track that is built out of similar sounding overlapping melodies that completely rocks out. Many of the synth sounds have a very old flavor to them, giving rise to a rather unnatural sound, but after listening for a minute or two the sounds easily immerse the listener. Given this, initially, casino vs. japan might not be easy to comprehend in the first few minutes of a first listen, but I found it very accessable. So to those people who don't live in the experimental section of your nearby record store for whatever reason, I highly recommend giving this a try. And if you do live there, this is a classic album worthy of your time.
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