Posed as the “antithesis of a musical journey’, Continuum, the latest effort by London-based producer Gaudi and sound-therapist Antonio Testa, is supposed to exist on a solely abstract and internal level, immersing its listeners in purely aesthetic and non-figurative sound-worlds and atmospheres. To put simply, the apparent point of the record is to act as a trigger for our own imaginations as listeners, providing nothing more that a framework for our thoughts to coalesce and expand; a veritable breeding ground for the mind, if you will. But straight off the cuff, I’d like to propose that this little theory is a bunch of toss. Sure, Gaudi and Testa have created something that is atmospheric and relatively obscure in a structural sense, but Continuum is no more abstract and non-narrative than any other instrumental music. Gaudi does indulge us with “spiritual’ synth wash after “spiritual’ synth wash, while Testa add’ some water droplets and hand percussion for good measure, but this represents something quite different to the proposed empty slate for the mind to wander upon. In fact, there are some surprisingly conventional song structures here – see the dub pulse of Night Watch and aptly-titled Dub Hypnosis, and the genuine break-beat of Micro-Evolution for proof. This isn’ at all to say that Continuum is a bad listen; it’s not. There are some lovely textures and compositions here. It’s just the schmaltzy, contrived, self-important “theory’ (for want of a better expression) that lets this record down.
Gaudi & Testa – Continuum (em:t records)
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…well, I have this album and I have to say that IT IS FANTASTIC! This is just my opinion, an opinion not from a “music reviewer” (like the gentleman who wrote the “no-sense” review above…sorry), I am just a normail listener and I found this CD very special. When I’m listening to it, I have the exact feeling of having a “white canvas” where I can draw my emotions to! seriously. I think it is a great product, no pretentious at all, simply very well thought and produced. My dear “reviewer” I respect your opinion, but one thing has to be very clear: IT IS JUST YOUR OPINION, if you take a look on the internet you’ll see that all the comments about CONTINVVM are generally super positive! Sorry, but I really love this gem!
Thank You.
Jeremy W. (UK)
Jeremy, it’s okay, you’re allowed to love this record… just as I have every right to express my issues with it. It’s the wonderful thing about independent thought, isn’t it; that sometimes, no matter how many people you can find to agree with you (such as your internet sources), there will always be someone who has a different opinion (in this case, me, your “dear reviewer”, as you put it). If you hadn’t noticed, I too enjoyed moments of Continuum and thought it a good listen. It was the “theory” behind it that I had a problem with. That’s all. Perhaps it was my fault for reading the schmaltzy press release. Enjoy the record, Jeremy. You’re allowed. I make no apologies for expressing a differing opinion to you and your web buddies.
Best.
Dan
I love it! I am listening to it again, right now, to see if what Dan Rule wrote it reflects what this cd is transmitting, now, from my speakers….
Sorry Dan, I have to disagree with you; for me there is not any pretentiousness or any “spiritual synths” (as you described it) in this album, I can simply hear good music, very refreshing and well produced! I am not crazy about track 4, over all this album is superb. (…and I love the concept too!)
10/10
this CD is wicked!
I love this album very much!
Carlos (Spain)
I definitely agree; I am listening to this cd on and on, I think it is excellent!
Well, I think evryone here seems to dissagree with what dan rule has expressed, myself included. It’s a great release from Mr Gaudi & his sonic cohort. worth getting.
thanks martin. them be some strong, strong words.
nobody loves me / everybody hates me / i’m gonna eat some worms…. tra-la-la-la
xx
dan
I have to express my positive feedback on this amazing album!! Awsome music and top quality production!…not pretentious at all.
I really suggest this album to everyone; respect!
I really dig this!… super production, great music.