1. attempt #4
2. collapse
3. attempt #2
4. music for french writings
5. attempt #1
6. psychotest, last attempt
7. attempt #3
8. the litigation
9. pulse and impulse

The sudden change from soft sounds to loud noise is shocking, as is the sudden change from loud noise to soft sounds. You get some of each (some, not a lot) in Collapse, which may be more a description of what happens to the listener rather than of the album.

In any event, each change encourages us to attend to detail, especially when going from loud to soft. Each little sound, each little nuance of layering, of harmony (simultaneous sounds), becomes, it seems, clearer, more sharply etched, when it follows a bit of loud, abrasive noise. (“Collapse,” “Music for French Writing,” and “Litigation” are particularly tasty in this regard.)

Noise fans may think there’s not enough of it, but I assure you that what there is is scrumptious and satisfying (and loud). Having said that, I must say that I was most taken with the long, softer bits, and with the changes from one state to another.

A most listenable disc, indeed.