Wave of Light By Wave of Light [Import]

Scannerfunk | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 6, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Sulfur Records
• ASIN: B00005A0H3
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #628,388 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, June 9, 2003

By 

Peter A. Carbonaro "Yes, THAT Peter Carbonaro." (Oceanside, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wave of Light By Wave of Light (Audio CD)

Scannerfunk, a.k.a. Scanner, is the one-man project of Robin Rimbaud. Over the past several years, Rimbaud has made quite a name for himself by constructing fascinating music -- "soundscapes", although clichéd, really best describes his compositions -- that fuse subtle, dreamy, intense music with the "found" sounds of intercepted cellphone and police scanner conversations. He's also branched out into multimedia art, participating and creating installations that combine visual and technological elements with his music.

As Scanner has evolved, its sound has become less and less sample-heavy, and although the cut-and-paste feel of Rimbaud's samples still weave their way through his latest album, Wave Of Light By Wave Of Light, they've moved from what used to be a primary focus for the music to a subtle element of the composition itself. Compared to his earlier works, it appears as if Rimbaud is using his samples with the restraint and grace, to accent his compositions rather than define them.

Make no mistake, though: like Lauwarm Instrumentals, Scanner's last album, Wave Of Light still has an eavesdropping, conspiratorial feel to it. Its mysterious, obtuse sounds make it the perfect soundtrack for late-night chillout sessions, but this time around, its moods are more the result of music than sound effects. Rimbaud seems more confident in his ambient, constructed music, and it will be intriguing to see where he takes his sound next. In the meantime, though, Wave Of Light By Wave Of Light should produce enough listening enjoyment to tide over fans of intelligent, ambient music until Scanner's next incarnation.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 10 Outstanding Electronic Compostions, March 19, 2001

By 

Erin D. Morris (Missoula, Mt.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wave of Light By Wave of Light (Audio CD)

Having never heard of Scannerfunk before, I took a chance, bought the CD, and was pleasantly suprised. My expectations were surpassed. Scannerfunk (aka Scanner, Robin Rimbaud) is so outstanding because, unlike many other electronic acts, he composes his experimental pieces with extreme focus on art and what it means to him. This CD is not some type of fluff, like Moby or the Chemical Brothers, and was recorded regardless of what the pop culture finds appealing at the moment. This is wonderful because this is how all music should be. It is very experimental, but at the same time hits the head right on with listenable rythmn. It's the kind of CD that makes you want to buy another copy for a spare because it's so perfect. Definately add this CD to your collection if you have lost faith in current music and it's mundane vibe. Scannerfunk is the answer to your prayers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautimus!, March 7, 2002

By 

Jason Bylinowski "sonic monkey" (Augusta, GA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wave of Light By Wave of Light (Audio CD)

Ah yes, Scannerfunk.......who...is scannerfunk?

Well, I'll be honest with ya, I don't have the foggiest. I know what I know about him from reading these other reviews here, and from that standpoint, you'd be better off listening to their rants than reading my review, but what I do know about Scannerfunk is that "Wave of Light" is an incredible album, and the first IDM release I've ever heard that is befitting of the word "epic recording". They flaunt those words around a lot in electronic music, and it is true, you'll get some big sounds from some creative guys at times.....but Scannerfunk's album goes beyond that, and turns the whole album into a singular listening experience.

Technically speaking, Rimbaud isn't breaking any new ground, but I don't care too much for that side of the music anyway. I play guitar, not a sampler, so I'm not a connoisseur of the ins and outs of techno. But the music is fantastic, from the first beat of the first song to the last of the last song. If you like symphonies with african drum beats, if you like ambient repetitive structures a la Philip Glass, you will have everything you need right here in this album. If you're not a techno afficianado, start with the sample of "Speechless" to see if you like it. It's got a very solid breakbeat style to it that stays true to its roots....the first thing I thought of when I heard of was "Simon From Sydney" from LFO's old "Frequencies" album: it has that classic synth sound, only with layers of new beats and new emotional directions. I love it.

"Cozy Veneer" gets down to what I love about this album, even though it is a bit harder to listen to than a song such as "Speechless". Again, fans of PG will be impressed at Rimbaud's use of what I call "modular beat-perspective"....layers of beats and synths that only seem to loop back into themselves, to the point that you can't really tell where the melodic line begins or ends. It's great, because you can start the song from any point, and get a new take on it based on the beat you started from. Anyway, it's a little harder to explain than it is to appreciate.

To anyone who feels disappointed with what's on the radio these days, do your collective selves a favor and buy albums like this...

Jason B.