An utterly innovative electronic construction combining samples drawn from acoustic source recordings from the '30s, '40s, and '70s,
Invention is a work of complex genius. Built on sturdy, repetitive, sentimental piano progressions and syrupy, string-laden, Disney-esque backdrops that are spliced into the mix, the addition of fluttering synth lines and sparking electronic beats creates something vaguely new and almost cinematic in scope. That the samples don't particularly match each other is where the uniqueness of
Daedelus' vision lies, as he expertly pairs elements such as his own toy piano, Omnichord, and a computer printer with big band jazz horns and dissonant beats. Although tracks like the sci-fi poetry and cascading piano strikes of "Astroboy" are generally the exception among the majority of pensive IDM arrangements, as most feature no vocals or overtly fluid melodies, there is also nothing particularly off-putting or hard to grasp about his sonic constructions. From film noir-ish pieces like "Loded" to the frantic beats of "Thus the Whirligig," the album is impeccably paced and brilliantly conceived, fitting together like a giant puzzle stretching across the genres and generations. ~ Matt Fink