Zero Ohms: SupremeInfiniteEssence

John W. Patterson

Recent articles (186 total)

Published: December 1, 2000

Zero Ohms is still Richard J. Roberts. But this is a departure from the ambient way of his earlier releases. Supreme*Infinite*Essence is what I will call “Chaos-Ambient” or perhaps “Random Acts of Ambience”. You will find some true restful fugues but there is a fluttering of “sound-flashes” and “eruptive-palette” colorings and harsh-edged tonings. Twelve treks range from 3:38 to 8:49 which whirl your brain through multi-variate ambiences. This is a complex listen but Zero Ohms shows polished delivery and concept down the winding way. You are given “living snapshots” of forgotten memories. Experience punctuated equlibriae of nirvanas, walk misty mazes of Maya, and feel the shredding embrace of Kali.

This is experimental, sound poetry, disturbing, eerie, strains of Matrix-nightmared vistas unfolding. At times you wander ominous soundings of distant ghostly trains, of waiting rooms for dislocated souls, and are flung at the feet of cybernetic mutants that wander extra-dimensional abattoirs. Oh yes, there are respites, lulls, and inner exhalations but Roberts never allows complete release of tension — what lies ahead may shock and bewilder.

Hear noise-meets-essence, vision-unveils-cold reality as Zero Ohms opens a new “Underworld” and then opens even that realm’s sub-basement door. Within dwell aggravated obliterations, numbing nothingness, and persistent non-entities. Where did Roberts find these sounds of madness and fever dream?

Supreme*Infinite*Essence is recommended to mutate your houseplant and confuse the neighbor’s cat. Zero Ohms, send this to the soundtrax office planning the Matrix sequels. You have a chance, really! Do not play this before spelunking or space shuttle launch. You may not find your way home. “Bzzzt!”

Cyberhome(s): http://www.mp3.com/ZeroOhms and http://members.safepages.com/zeroohms/

Track Listing: Formless, Of Pathos, 2% Timeless, Lichteberg Figures, Looking In On Schr

Personnel: Richard J. Roberts on Wind-Synth and various breath-driven devices from his huge eclectic collection from around the globe . . . and devices extraterrestrial

Record Label: ZOP
Style: Ambient