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Oval
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| Although Oval are perhaps more well-known for how they make their music than for the music they actually make, the German experimental electronic trio have provided an intriguing update of some elements of avant-garde composition in combination with techniques of digital sound design, resulting in some of the most original, if somewhat challenging electronic music of the contemporary scene. Composed of trio Markus Popp, Sebastian Oschatz, and Frank Metzger, the bulk of the group's work released through the Force Inc.-related Mille Plateaux label incorporates elements of what could be described as "prepared compact disc" -- manually marred and scarified CDs played and sampled for the resultant, somewhat randomly patterned rhythmic clicking. Layered together with subtle, sparse melodies and quirky electronics, the results are often as oddly musical as they are just plain odd. The trio brought this approach to bare on their first full-length releases -- Wohnton, Systemische and 94 Diskont -- as well as a number of compilation tracks. Although a rung below marginal in their home country and even more obscure in the States, the group's remixes of Chicago post-rock group Tortoise brought Oval in contact with American audiences; both Systemische and 94 Diskont, as well as Markus Popp's work as Microstoria (with Mouse on Mars' Jan St. Werner) were reissued domestically by Thrill Jockey in 1996. The fine Dok appeared in 1997, followed up by 1999's Szenario EP. -- Sean Cooper, All-Music Guide | |
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Most biographies and artist pictures are taken from All Music Thanks to Gavin for the graphics. Page by Adam.
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