Tristan – Audiodrome

Tristan's debut is bit of a mixed bag, lot of different tempos and styles are found here and I do reckon it affects the album's consistency in a negative manner. I just went to listen the album once more to refresh my memory little, previously having the sensation there's nothing to here.

I was about to say the memory served me right, until the two closers of the album. Talking about saving the best for the last! 'Martian Arts' and 'Infatuation' are really good late 90s psy-tech bangers one ought to check out. A bit similar edge is found in the Freak Disciple 12" that Tristan co-produced with Manmademan. Check that one out as well.

Hard to understand why most people find this album mediocre. I first encountered Tristan on the Twisted Records compilation Various - Demented. His track "Small Paper Squares" is easily the strongest track on it. "Audiodrome" continues this tone with fast-paced, dark Psy-Trance at it's best. It lacks the catchy melodies of artists like Shpongle or Man With No Name however and the artwork...well...lets face it - it looks like some body hole. Seriously.

This is a good album, which neatly encapsulates the dark, minimal sound which was popular at the time. A couple of the tracks fall a bit flat, but Valve and Perimeter are stormers. Agree with comment about the artwork though - it's horrible.