Since the early ‘80s,
Cindytalk has transformed from post-punk band to experimental electronic improvisation ensemble. Eight years in the making,
The Crackle of My Soul marks a new transformation of
Cindytalk's sound, a new step in the abstraction of the group's music. The sheer fact that it is released by Editions Mego (synonymous with glitch electronica and experimental noise) is a sign one shouldn't ignore. For this outing, Gordon Sharp has worked alone, in three different studios, to concoct a gorgeous set of shimmering high frequencies, delicate rumblings, and obliterating white noise. Forget the song-based approach of the early days: this is sound-sculpting, the transmogrification of raw thoughts into sounds without harnessing them to melodies or beats. The music on
The Crackle of My Soul has the depth of
Fennesz's best work but some of the harshness found in the works of
Kevin Drumm and
Pita. It's a subtle blend, a heady one too, as the album takes you on a continuous journey, all tracks sounding like variations on a single theme (except for a quiet piano-based piece). "Signalling Through the Flames" and "Transgender Warrior" (the latter previously released on a 7" EP) are the highlights, but the overall quality of this album is very high, and it is clear that a lot of thought and care have been put into its composition. An impressive comeback. ~ François Couture