Review
Scattered Remains: Early Rarities collects a series of rare or out of print 12" records, 7" releases, and compilation tracks from 11 different labels. Unlike Menche's full-length work, these individual tracks are geared to be complete unto themselves, not part of some larger picture. This makes listening to portions of this rather large double CD set far easier; there is no need to listen to the entire disc to fully appreciate the power of Menche's compositions. On each track that power is evident as it pours from the speakers, sometimes aggressively and sometime slowly. A track like "Here Is Proof That You Are Not a Ghost" represents Menche's ability to burn slowly, to accumulate tension to the point of an orgasm, and then let it recede slowly, exquisitely, like the most comprehensive and breath taking comedown ever. He mingles disparate ideas, harsh and soft noises, to stunning ends. As soon as a track feels like it might end in the hands of another composer, Menche suddenly begins reconstructing what he had just destroyed. New peculiarities begin to sizzle and rise to the surface and before anything can be easily digested, Menche has, seemingly through magic, constructed a new edifice of sound. Hearing this process is a pleasure in and of itself, but being in its storm is the biggest draw. Menche has a way of making his work labyrthine; it is quite easy to get lost in his sounds. They always bubble or shiver with life, exploding with the kind of energy I'd expect from a catastrophic solar event. When sounds moan, they feel genuine, like a breath escaping the artist. But, before moving on, Menche always has a way of snapping the whole work together, of bringing everything together for one final blast or uneasy movement. This music demands attention and is not just for those satisfied with wandering. This requires close listening to be enjoyed completely. --Lucas Schleicher - Brainwashed.com
Product Description
Keeping track of the musical output of Daniel Menche has never been easy. Besides his numerous albums and singles, released by an eclectic range of labels, he has contributed countless tracks to compilations, many of which reached only the smallest of audiences. "Scattered Remains" tracks his progress from 1995 through 1999, collecting the best of these pieces, now fully remastered, onto two full-length CDs. With the passing of time it has become nearly impossible to find many the original releases these tracks came on, making this rarities collection a must have for long-time fans and new converts alike. Besides the material culled from CD compilations, three tracks previously only available on vinyl appear in digital form for the first time ever. The list of labels involved reads like a who's who of cutting edge music in the '90s: Banned Productions, Ash International, 23five, Noise Museum, Self Abuse, Isomorphic, KAON, Shirocoal, Suterfuge, G.M.B.H. and of course, Soleilmoon. Best of all, it's a great value: Two CDs for the price of one. What's not to love?
is one of Daniel Menche's 21 releases. Browse Daniel Menche's Discography 
