Snow Blindness Is Crystal Antz
I’m glad someone in Canada is drinking the pickled crazy juice. Is there an artist in this country more irreverent, more playful or less caring of what you think than Chad Van Gaalen? Its refreshing to get some music made for its own sake, which considers the art and artist first, and one’s indie image second. His muse is indeed peculiar. Even two-headed … nay, three-headed — and wearing pink suspenders. For this single-minded artistic independence, this blog will continue to champion him.
Black Mold is Chad’s electronic alter-ego. A collection of experimental glitches, melodies, science experiments and found sounds. No lyrics. Just a man and his gadgets in a basement somewhere in the 403.
19 tracks in all – flying firmly in the face of the current 10-track max on any given release since … well, since apparently nobody listens to albums anymore. Except us? We like albums. And so, thank you to Chad for Toxic Lake. And for No Dream Nation. For somehow channeling Anti-Pop Consortium and Chris Clark (Warp’s unsung heroes).
Snow Blindness Is Crystal Antz flows well and you’ll be hard-pressed to discern your favorites until a couple attentive listens through. There are a lot of great moments but the strength of this album ultimately lies in its ability to create and sustain a mood throughout the entire setlist.
