LAB REPORT - Excision
Songs: 9 Time:  62:39
Lab Report is the brainchild of Matthew Schultz and Derek Frederickson.  On Excision, Matt and Derek create sonic noise structures using an array of peculiar instruments that range from clocks to Anti-Tank guitars.  The grasping element of Excision is the dynamic artwork.  Sculptures consisting of human organs are pierced with fishhooks, strung on twine, and attached to wooden frames.  At a glance, the cover art is quite disturbing.  It’s just a shame that Lab report’s music does not have the same quality.  In the Beginning is a twisted requiem in which you will find fluctuating drones, mysterious hums, and a solid, clamorous buzz.  There is a minuscule beat behind Suction, along with some oscillating vibrations and sharp orchestrations.  Techtonic Plate Shift contains simplistic, bubbling, whirling sequences and various, alien sounds.  On Fig. Q75, some fresher sounds, such as the muffled sound of gunfire) are introduced and joined together with an underlying, rumbling sound and sparse percussion.  Miscellaneous, metallic sounds are prevalent throughout Christ Playing With Tops.  A familiar, whirling drone is used as the background on which these warped, machine sounds are laid.  The Beginning Reinterpreted is the longest piece (clocking it at over 14 minutes) and contains some sparse, experimental sounds that, when visualized, could be used a the soundtrack for creation; climbing out of the primordial ooze.  Ever wonder what a carnival in hell might be like?  Geeks Choose To Work at the Carnival might be as close as you’ll ever get to finding that answer.  A montage of buzzing, clicks, and clanks begins this piece.  As the piece moves forward you notice that it becomes more intricate, making it stand out from the rest of the album.  A strong, horn based sequence is placed over top of a raw, electric sequence as the track comes to a finale.  After a few seconds of silence we are treated (?) to over 4 minutes of a creaky door after which a child says, ‘Mommy, I want to play."  I’m not too sure what the reasoning behind this is, but then again I’m not too sure about the whole album.  It’s nothing too spectacular on CD, but I imagine if you were to witness a liver performance of Excision it might seem to make more sense.  I think that in order to really appreciate this type of sound you must make use of more than just your sense of hearing.  Joined together with visuals, Excision might prove to be more interesting.  I suppose if you like low key, experimental / soundtrack music than you will enjoy and appreciate what Lab report are doing.
 
INVISIBLE RECORDS                          Lab Report is:
P.O. Box 16008                                          Matthew Schultz / Derek Fredrickson
Chicago, IL 60616                                     Contact Lab Report @
INVISIBLE homepage:                           PO Box 577106
http://www.invisiblerecords.com          Chicago, IL 60657  USA