The debut solo full-length by Australian electro-acoustic improviser and multimedia artist
Robin Fox is a thrilling transmission of scrambled sound waves that excitedly buzz and burst. The album's artwork is sourced from
Fox's famed laser light performances, and while no audio recording can possibly replicate such a dazzling display, the album is remarkable and engaging nonetheless.
Fox's manipulated laser tones seem chaotic and random, but he seems perfectly in control of these wild sounds, even as they malfunction and slip away. Halfway through the album, an eerie, glowing drone called "Godspeed" offers a temporary respite from the harsh, cut-up madness. But then the album's ultra-glitchy title track sounds like late-'90s
Aphex Twin being pulverized. Closing track "Melophobia [Final Edit]" dices up fluttering percussion, a groaning voice, and even a hint of jazzy standup bass.
A Handful of Automation is certainly abrasive and challenging, but it's incredibly inventive and exciting, and one of the more fun releases in the Editions Mego catalog. ~ Paul Simpson