Convulsion

"Are We Waiting?" (EP Single, 2000)

unsigned demo

I don't normally review demos but in this case I'm more than happy to make an exception. Convulsion is the project of one Huw Morgan who resides in Cardiff, Wales. Huw's been at the composing game for some years but this appears to be his first release. And having spent almost a decade exploring his ideas has certainly paid off in spades. This six-track EP contains some of the most intriguing and imaginative music I've heard in a LONG time.

Eschewing trends, Morgan has instead crafted a sound that, although sometimes calls to mind class acts like haujobb, is nevertheless unique. As much effort has gone into the production as the song writing - something many professional acts would do well to learn from. Muted slow beats, backward loops, mutating structures and a slightly oppressive tone mean that Convulsion produce the perfect music for unconventional SF filmmakers - were any of them clever or brave enough to use it. But it's not all doom and gloom, there are some rays of sunshine through the imaginary clouds formed by this experiment in instrumental soundscapes. Personal highlights are the final three tracks: Blue Dot, Hydro(pro) and Re:Claim. There must surely be several labels who specialise in intelligent electronic music that would jump at the chance to sign Convulsion once heard, and if I were such a label boss I'd snap up Huw Morgan's project as quick as a flash. 8/10

Rob Dyer

Official Convulsion website: http://www.convulsion.freeserve.co.uk