Emptyset - Borders
(Thrill Jockey)

Unique and essential, Emptyset are the duo of James Ginzburg and Paul Purgas, a product of the forward-thinking, underground music scene in Bristol, UK.  Borders is their fifth album, following releases for Raster-Norton, Subtext, Future Days, and Caravan Recordings.  Generally labelled as Electronic / Techno, this is doing the duo a distinct disservice as Borders marks the point where art, music and architecture collide in a visceral, elemental, and groundbreaking way. Starting by creating their own instruments (a 6-stringed zither-like device and a drum) Emptyset then explore how these organic sounds interact with the analogue processes and strict rule-set that have defined their work to date.  The results are eleven innovative 'tracks' in 30 minutes that are raw, heavy, blasting, throbbing, grinding, brooding attacks upon your senses.  This truly is the sound of right now: harsh, bass-heavy and very loud!  Captivated and invigorated by these alien sounds, it's almost unbelievable to think that "Borders" was recorded live. This really is an astonishing release! Maximum volume yields maximum results. (Lee)
Check out a track here