Customer Reviews

Bestiary

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Robert Rich fans are a "different breed", and I am certainly no exception. 'Bestiary', Rich's latest release, is destined to raise some of eyebrows -- first, yours; then, all of your friends, should they hear you listening.... It's quite an interesting mix, and definitely representative of Rich's
decidedly different musical direction which seems to culminate on this disc. Fans of such legendary discs as 'Gaudi', 'Propagation', or 'Seven Veils', or even Rich's work with Rick Davies as Amoeba, may find this disc somewhat lacking by those standards. Fans of more recent works
like the three disc set 'Humidity' or the 7 hour audio DVD 'Somnium' will find this new recording fits in perfectly. Melodies, and even harmonies in most cases, are minimized and the emphasis is on the dynamic nature of each sound in it's place of the mix. Still, this disc possesses a character quite unique unto itself, and will probably be unlike anything else you've heard before, even from this artist.

The First track, 'Mantis Intentions', sets the tone of the soundscape for the rest of the disc with it's undulating, sticky, organic-soup-like mix. Captured in all of it's shimmering majesty and awash with all the polyrhythmic ambience one would expect from Rich, 'Nesting on Cliffsides' will
probably be the most "accessible" track for many listeners. 'Dante's Anthropomorphic Zoo' continues the journey back to the bizarre side of this mythical zoological world. 'Bestiary', the title track, sounds like the polyrhythmic tones we're used to, but run through Rich's new MOTM analog synth, twisted into something completely new. 'Carapace Hides the Delicacy' and 'Folded Space' will also help ease fans who may have missed the last few discs into this new sound with their sweeping analog ambience and long, sustained chord progressions. 'Sharpening Her Talons' conjures notions of the Future Sound of London or The Orb. The last track, 'Premonitions of Circular Clouds', is somewhat of a return to the "Rich sound" that we are more accustomed to, even when considering the highly processed and modulated vocal formants, presumably sourced from Rich himself.

This disc is a definite departure -- a very experimental recording from an artist that can really captivate a listener. That's not a bad thing, either. Rich successfully pulls it off, and the result is just plain weird and wonderful! If you enjoy the more bizarre and abstract works of other artists such as F.S.O.L and The Orb, and wondered how it would sound if you could combine them with Robert Rich, here's your disc. Or, if you're a long-time fan of Robert Rich's work like I am, and have been trying to figure out just what the heck a "glurp" is, then here's your answer!

I was left scratching my head after the first listen, but over the last month, I've grown to love this recording. Definitely NOT to be missed!!!

BTW -- I like some weird stuff, but trust me and just pitch the Relapse catalog that comes inside the case with the CD -- don't even look at it! The partial slip cover on the outside of the disc case with the other Release discs listed is marketing enough.

I am going to be brief here. Beastiary is a wonderful collage of sound scapes, innertwined with some rythmn. It is a fantastic record. I did not think much of the so-called, "Ambient New-Age" musical movement, but listen to Robert Rich and THIS record in particular opened my eyes to the depth and creativity of this style. It took a number of listens but this really grows on you. If you were like me and thought all ambient was boring, GIVE THIS CD a SPIN! Awesome record! I can not wait to see what he does next. Fantastic spin!!!

I've only heard a couple of other releases by Robert Rich -- most notably his TRANCES/DRONES double cd -- so I don't feel qualified to compare this disc with his other work. I can, however, state unequivocably that this is a very impressive, effective example of impressionistic sound painting.

The sounds are skillfully assembled and manipulated -- I can close my eyes and easily picture munching mandibles, whirring wings and scuttling legs moving about me in the audio field. The pieces flow subtly into one another, the product of tasteful editing. Standout tracks for me are the opener 'Mantis intentions', 'Folded space' and 'Sharpening her talons' -- but there's not a weak cut on this disc.

Particularly effective is Rich's use of altered/modulated vocal sounds in a couple of the tracks. Looking at the musician credits on the back cover, it's astonishing to hear the depth and variety of sounds that Rich has coaxed from his arsenal. This disc is an essential addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys adventuresome, challenging electronic music -- it's intelligent and at the same time extremely listenable.

Bestiary is bizarre, which is why I enjoy it. The album is a great way to diversify your collection. I enjoyed the album right away, but it did enjoy it more as I listened to it.

Months before purchasing this cd I read a lot of reviews of this release by Robert Rich and became well aware that it might take a few listenings to warm up to this unusual "soundtrack to a strange land". Upon first listening it was actually pretty much what I had been imagining. It's actually interesting, though, especially the second half of the cd. At times, the sounds are almost perverse. One thing is for sure, the cd is not boring at all. It's extremely experimental stuff, and I'm glad I have it. Even for alternative ambient music, this pushes the boundaries. I really admire Robert Rich for taking what must have been a risk. If you are familiar with Robert Rich's music, then you will see how much of a departure "Bestiary" is from previous releases.

This is an excellent recording. For those of you who are long time fans of Roberts work, it is indeed different. One of the earlier reviews states he was left scratching his head...as was I. But it grows on you like the lichen in the woods that Robert seems to excel so well at conjuring just such mental imagery.
I got the pleasure of meeting Robert Rich in early April 2002 at a Canadian live show. He played many extended tracks off of this album as well as "Strata","Soma" and "Gaudi" styled albums. It was a true mental journey to say the least. And I must also add he is a very cool guy in real life.
Long time fans will may be slightly disoriented at first by the new style with his new modular synthesizer. But it really does sound better every time and doesnt wear thin. Newcomers to this artist will appreciate this album I'm most certain! You won't be let down either way.

I was looking for Bestiary's "The Murder Wheel" when I found this, but I was a bit curious and gave a listen... I have to say I am quite impressed, very soothing. You should definately give this a listen, but I still like the metal band better.