The thinking behind Studies In Particle Motion – the latest CD-r from David Loose (aka Hydatid) – is as dense, opaque and frighteningly complex as it sounds. Finding its grounding in Quantum physics and its inherent contradictions, Studies In Particle Motion sees Loose take on the role of specialist researcher as opposed to musician, as he captures the “rhythm of vibrating particles” and the “non-linear nature of digital audio.” In laymen’s terms, Loose makes use of special software to pull apart and breakdown digital audio streams, only to reconfigure and reorganise their tiniest, elemental components, hence creating music. From my basic understanding, it’s a similar process to what digital artists such as Ulf Langheinrich use – a kind of deconstruction to the point of recreation, if you will. Loose himself describes Studies In Particle Motion as “sonic representation of the change in mechanical energy caused by particles colliding, matter passing through phase transitions, and of energy becoming matter.” This is all good and well, but what does it mean for the listener? Indeed, shouldn’t good art work both with and without knowledge its original creative context? In my mind, the answer is yes. And luckily, the creative product of Looses theoretical endeavours – although fairly one-dimensional – is a lot easier to swallow than the thesis itself. While not the strongest collection of tracks, Studies In Particle Motion does house a beautiful and truly individual aesthetic. Dense textures of microscopic sonic vibrations lay atop gently pulsing rhythms, like a morning fog over a bustling city. The tracks are long, drawn-out and atmospheric in every sense, and while there are moments of darkness, the majority of Loose’s efforts glisten with an ambient calm. On these terms, Studies In Particle Motion is certainly an interesting release. Loose just needs make sure he doesn’t alienate too many listeners with the theory and the process, before he just lets them appreciate the music. That’s what we (well, some of us anyway) are here for, right?
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