“Candyhole” is an engaging and powerful noise release from this experimental Wisconsin noise artist. The shorthand, science fiction-like titles let you know that you are in for something that is to a certain extent technological and frightening. At the same time, there is a bio/mechanical fusion that indicates a recognition of the individual person within the machinery of civilization… a lot of purpose and intention occurs within the work of Mr. Eric Lunde. In fact, the third track on here shows Mr. Lunde simply speaking frankly about his beliefs regarding the world of noise and what it represents in the overall schematic of the world at large. It perfectly compliments the grand and engaging sound that is juxtaposed to the bizarre dialogues, an ecstatic embrace of the larger potential contained within the noise genre presented without pretension or misdirection. Eric Lunde’s work seems to reflect a full-body aesthetic that engages the listener with its fully comprehensive sonic dialogue regarding space and the human body… it is no wonder that he is one of the most respected artists in noise when it comes to others who work within the same field.
Blending together different recording techniques, some of the tracks on here seem to be the same situation either re-recorded on different microphones or even simply tape-decayed and played again. Unlike most such experiments, the results here are highly listenable, and in fact rather uniquely haunting in the world of noise. The compositions all work together as a unified whole (or “hole” if you will…), all through the duration of the release there is a feeling of a unified spirit to the seemingly disconnected elements. The artwork reflects this principle as well… seemingly abstract, it presents a landscape with its own unique and individualized logic that is only truly perceivable from a larger and more removed perspective. By its very nature, the audio and reasoning behind it requires the listener to engage the recording in such a way that requires a personalized assessment and approach to the content within. At times self-referential, ultimately “Candyhole” strives for a sort of realism that recognizes context, time, and place as important factors in the creative process, sometimes more so than other largely superficial factors. Lunde’s work portrays a technological landscape where everyone plays a part, and emotions are consumed like flesh sandwiched within a sesame-seed bun… a major trope of the recording is the concept of music being meat, which Lunde connects sardonically with Morrissey’s connection of meat to murder via the famous Smiths LP. The music is the decaying meat of possibility… a moment in time frozen, cooked, and sold.
“Candyhole” has an aesthetic of minimalism that grows to surprisingly complex proportions, all the while staying true to a certain palette that expresses a nearly mystical connection with one’s living environment. A unique worldview is fully expressed but never fully explained, resulting in a mystery that compels one to examine the evidence further. Somewhere within the world is the passion and inspiration that we feel inside of us, the pulse of life that resonates with the body in a way that makes life worth living. Through a combination of live electronic performance and field recordings, Lunde has constructed a world of esoteric electronics that is as alive as the microorganisms flowing within your tap water. A lush range of sounds is employed, but not without a certain centralized and focused aesthetic that keeps the listener engaged in a very realistic and controlled fashion, while still allowing for personal interpretation. “Candyhole” is an absolute masterpiece of modern expressionistic electronics, and should really be given consideration from all interested in the field of noise music. Haunting, elegant, and as visceral as a punch to the stomach, Eric Lunde truly delivers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Written by: Joseph Gates
Label: Freak Animal / Format: CD
Tracklisting:
1. MKE WI Site 1
2. Candyhole
3. Contrary To
4. Shrad MKE Hoan Bridge 1 Gen
5. Deaded 1
6. Music Is Meat Part 3
7. Shrad MKE Hoan Bridge 2 Gen
8. Passion Of Empire
9. Shrad MKE Hoan Bridge 3 Gen
10. MKE WI Site 2
11. Music Is Meat Lesson 1 Live MKE WI
12. Marantz PMD430
13. Nova Time
