Watch: Best Available Technology “Wt Drms Cso Maxell 94”

06 May 2013 — Andrew Wagner

Today sees the release of a new tape from Portland’s Best Available Technology, Excavated Tapes 1992-1999, Vol. 1. Released by Astro:Dynamics, the tape consists of a series of improvised recordings made in the 90s that are just now seeing their release. The songs, with titles that seem to obliquely refer to electronic equipment (“Trvlr TDK SA-X100”, for instance), are appropriately foggy and industrial. Pairing ambient drones with stabs of static noise, the tape exudes a dark and moody atmosphere. Though the underlying percussion might allude to techno beats, these soundscapes, alternately dreamy and menacing, are anything but danceable. The most exciting track, however, might just be the cassette's final one, “Wt Drms Cso Maxell 94”. Here, a delicately beautiful synth line brings just a touch of light and prettiness to this excellent tape.

Excavated Tapes 1992-1999, Vol. 1 is currently available for purchase as cassette or digital download from Astro:Dynamics.

Listen to “Wt Drms Cso Maxell 94” below: