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Tetrameth - Psychological Pyrotechnics (Zenon)
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Rah
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Posted : May 16, 2006 15:13
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Album: Psychological Pyrotechnics
Artist: Tetrameth
Label: Zenon Records
CAT: ZENCD06
SE.net: http://www.sonic-energy.net/core/content/view/230/2/
1 - Psychological Pyrotechnics [139]
2 - The Quickening [136]
3 - Practice In Blackness [138]
4 - Operation-mind Harvest [142]
5 - The 49th Vibration [137]
6 - Easy Way Out [137]
7 - Digital Acoustix [135]
8 - Jungle Weapon [138]
What's This About?
Pete Hayes is a heart-staked Aussie with a background in Jazz fusions. He participated in the odd band while taking classes at the conservatory before psygressive got the better side of him. It wasn’t long before his old Atmos and Cosmosis tunes reached his brother James, who started producing as ShadowFX shortly after. It took a couple of years for Pete to loose the hairy Jimmy’s worshiping old Fender amps with drumsticks clutched out of their jean-pockets, to delve fully in Tetrameth. But once the jump had been taken there was no looking back. The unique blend of styles he nurtured in-family has been boiling timidly in the rosters of Cosmic Conspiracy and Zenon records since. Tetrameth’s elaborate level of detail is deeply seethed in musical structures and concise beats, aimed at the ‘technical’ progressive circles. Think of it as a chunky thunk, overloaded with cozy Psychedelic Pyrotechnics, dazed in a Sunday afternoon slack, while bobbing your head like a languid zombie, to reminisce about Terrence McKenna and feel alright.
Per-Track
( 1 ) The self-titled track opens with a sample that reminded me a lot of Max – Eternal (SunDance), regarding squeegees, a third eye and laying in a field of grass for hours with heroic dozes of psychotropic substances. The voices are aplenty but they are strategically placed, dangling in well with the effects to complement a purpose…most of the times. Not forgetting this shebang, is over thirteen minutes, it is a great way of displaying what psychedelic progressive could be: A careful chiseling of minuscule elements in every single turn, racing through changing beats, unexpected breaks, musicality, Psychological Fireworks and the nicest bits of acoustic guitar I have heard in a while. I’m impressed. *
( 2 ) Originally released last year, The Quickening is a ride through steep beats and the nastiest, crungiest growls on this side of the jungle. A bit more minimal than the previous pyro-technique, it jumbles with synthetics, voices and good rhythms; ultimately building into another slice of finely tuned guitar for the theme. It should be no wonder then, Pete played the string instrument at previous point in his life. *
( 3 ) Despite an earlier announcement this album was meant to be mostly a morning-melodic type of affair for the minimal heads, A Practice in Blackness stands as a juicy number straddling with night-time beats, shimmering Tetrameth’s abilities to maintain a resolute immersion in the typical Zenon sound. A methodic approach to quality dance-floor material that still induces shivers, with complementing effects and straightforward themes. No big defining moments here, simply a stomper groveling its way to the mid-nigh-ter sessions. *
( 4 ) Operation Mind Harvest which could have a video game named after it, is a convoluted jumble of beats and drifting atmospheres, to an ever changing landslide of themes and exactly one break at the end.... how great is that? A Funky slap across the face for the psygresive circles, resembling everything else in the album, but hey it’s one of the good ones.*
( 5 ) The 49th vibration is a tricky business, It is used in combination with aura-attuned chromatherapy and harmonious sounds to create cost effective… color medicine alternatives. Why exactly? “So far, earth scientists have not been able to create such high Quadrillion frequencies, nor comprehended why they have needed to do so, in order to tap into an invisible ever-present FREE Cosmic Energy source.” If you didn’t get a word of what I quoted and still understand nothing about the vibration, you are not alone. So let’s stop scratching our heads and get on with the music: There’s a fair bit of sung chant bits and voices that attempt explaining something about the so called forty-niner, with appallingly confusing texts. Suffice to know we are “Witches in nature colours”. Thankfully there’s a decent beat, good breaks and grating synth’s that unfortunately don’t get too far, thus the need to use a lot of distracting voices… This is spiritual stuff baba! There is also a technical display of rotors fluttering like the so-called vibration and a very friendly break to start steering things in other directions. Is not displeasing, but is not really good either… for me anyway.
( 6 ) As implied by the name Easy Way Out, we are talking about a tune that was designed to give you the best possible mileage for long transitions. Split in half with evolving bits into a decrescendo of energy levels. The bouncy bass that comes to shine in the second half is delightful and I really don’t know why it wasn’t used at the beginning instead. We’re not here’s to question methods though, but to tell you sample bits “I used to take drugs and I quit, but will tell you something: I have nothing against drugs whatsoever. That’s kind of weird, huh? Used to take drugs, but quit and have nothing against them. Wow, never heard that, let’s hear more…” Despite having a different progression leaning almost awkwardly on long breaks, it is enjoyable. *
( 7 ) Produced in company of family, ShadowFX dipped his hand in Digital Acoustics to present introspective, rumbling-grumbling and slightly slumping beats, with dense juicy content and smile-inducing bass work. Not forgetting this is minimal territory, most of the action is composed of a million and one elements peaking their head thorough the window for an instant. Some of them come back to see how you are doing and the shifting nature of their order, with new elements being added constantly is what is all about here. The thing with these two, you need to stop what you are doing and actually focus on listening for a bit. It will not catch your attention if you are focused elsewhere. Very dense stuff, prepare to peel layers of content with knife like a ripe mango.
( 8 ) Set aside for the end, Jungle Weapon explains “They never existed, the only existed in his head and so he had to invent them.” What exactly? Probably more roars, leading me to believe Pete might have fetishist tendencies with panthers. There’s a great beat some thunders and girl talking about order, to emphasize how organized and logical the production is (or something). The little retro tune that comes with is as bizzare and effective as a good mouthwash. I’m not sure if the other sample is talking about touching people, or couch people… but they definitely work so, hooray for couch people & touching people. The actual track seems so sag a little too much for my taste, so unless you are one of the couch peoples this might fit.
All in All
Some tracks are outstanding, while some other ones cross over without noticing the LCD screen changed track numbers. This is not meant to say the album sounds superficially arranged. It just feels a little humdrum on a few instances and the repetitive reliance on voice samples tires me at times. There is a thick layer underneath it all, waiting to be explored by those who have the time. It’s something of a conceptual work from start to finish, a whole a ride so to speak. I can envision the material working nicely on a live situation with added extras (like is turning prevalent). Can’t really blame artists for doing so either, in the gig scenario is where you make enough to get by in this business. If your business is mixing and juggling other people’s tunes with Tetrameth’s line of music, (and why else read if you are not) it does offer some goodies. If on the other hand, you are an active listener with a connoisseur demeanor, it’s an enjoyable way to kill an hour.
Where to Buy
Psyshop >
http://www.psyshop.com/shop/CDs/zen/zen1cd006.html
Saiko Sounds >
http://www.saikosounds.com/english/display_release.asp?id=5689
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Acidhive
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : May 16, 2006 16:21
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Nice review. I listened to some samples at saikosounds, but so far it fails to impress me. A friend of mine is going to get it when it comes out (he's a freak for all things Zenon) and I'll probably end up listening to it at his place, so maybe I'll post a more detailed review of it later. Alas, what I've heard of the samples won't change my mind I think. The use of voice samples in this record nerves me as well, since they're mostly not really functional. And by the way, is there nothing better to sample then that stupid guy who says: I lay in the green grass for four hours... etc... bah!
"Subconscious unravels at the point of death, and all time it has known erupts into a moment. As death extinguishes us, so we become it."
[Esoteric: Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum] |
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Rah
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Posted : May 16, 2006 19:22
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yeah, the material in general, does not call out a lot of attention on itself, but the intricate level of work that you start to take for granted once you get used to the sound, is very nice. for example, It does not have exhilarating breaks (even though you might find a couple here and there), But i do keep saying this over and over, you need to hear the whole story first. More than that, is Zenon muckamuck... technical stuff for busy work in dance floors, but not the highlight of the evening.
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DanVapid
IsraTrance Junior Member
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Posted : May 18, 2006 20:06
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for me, this is a groundbreaking and truly genius progressive album, breaking away from what has become "formulatic" nordic style progressive...more than progressive, this is psychedelic - more for me than any of the dark "neuro" trance that is so popular these days...put this through some speakers outdoors, let it breath, and you will have magic on the dancefloor...something intellectually AND physically stimulating |
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stompa
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Posted : May 18, 2006 20:14
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I like this one alot, in some way it makes me
really happy. It's deep, it's wicked and has lots of groove in it. I give you my thumbs Tetrameth, both of them. |
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pfc
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Posted : May 19, 2006 14:28
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On 2006-05-18 20:06, DanVapid wrote:
for me, this is a groundbreaking and truly genius progressive album, breaking away from what has become "formulatic" nordic style progressive...more than progressive, this is psychedelic - more for me than any of the dark "neuro" trance that is so popular these days...put this through some speakers outdoors, let it breath, and you will have magic on the dancefloor...something intellectually AND physically stimulating
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100% agree with you my friend...this is what my ears need these days. dose of psy into beatiful groove mechanic sounds. great job Tetrameth and Zenon. |
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Minimal Monster
Minimal Monster
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Posted : May 21, 2006 15:50
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Suspekt
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : May 21, 2006 19:18
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for me, this is the most psychedelic progressive release in years, truely next level- every rule of psytrance is broken and put back together in amazing fashion... rock on pete brutha, keep my faith in trance alive!
Open Records, Australia
www.open-records.net |
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Rah
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : May 21, 2006 19:36
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i had an opportunity to hear a couple tracks in a proper rig yesterday while it was being set up, and it blew everyone away. The crowd was on minimal tribal, electro and they did not see it coming... 
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Suspekt
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Posted : Jun 29, 2006 08:05
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Tetrameth is one of the fresh names out of Australia- one we’ve been hearing for quite some time now, but the rest of the world is really only getting their first glimpse. In my opinion- he’s one of the most talented musicians to grace our scene, both in Australia and over the globe and has an amzing future as a psytrance producer and liveact. The sound is fresh, unique and his production level high- coupled with his amazing musical background (he’s conservatorium of music educated and is also frontman of successful Melbourne band “7”)- Tetrameth aka Pete Hayes’ sound is breathing a breath of fresh air into the progressive psytrance field.
I must admit- progressive psy hasn’t been too strong of late- it seems everyone is moving in more housey and electro directions. Its great labels like Zenon continue to push these cutting-edge sounds which are a little left-of-centre from your average prog release. Psycedelic Pyrotechnics- Tetrameth’s debut release on Zenon is no doubt one of the best releases that psytrance has seen in a while, and will no doubt win fans from progressive and full-on fields- its got a little bit for everyone this release.
A mixture of minimal, progressive and psytrance- the Tetrameth sound is percussive driven, fusion grooves pinned down but large basslines, psychedelic atmospheres and innovative structure. You can definitely tell a Tetrameth track when you hear it (although you could be slightly mistaken if you heard his brother Shadow FX’s tunes)- its really great to see the “Australian” sound of progressive developing in the way it has. Unlike many artists, his use of bucketloads of samples from his many inspirations like Bill Hicks and Terrance Mckenna is not tired- if you get a chance to meet Pete you’ll realize these inspirations are very real and not just wacked in there coz they are easy "psychedelic" samples.
The title track Psychedelic Pyrotechnics sets the standard for the album- its an epic piece of music, introduced by none other than Bill Hicks. Quirky percussions and a building atmosphere work into a groovy minimal bassline. Aboriginal vocals and tribally percussions wind together to lead up to one of the best guitar lines I’ve heard in a trance track. Tear jerking stuff and at 13 minutes, you gotta give the guy credit. This is trance orchestration- wow.
The Quickening featured on the last Zenon comp Intelligent Manipulation- it’s a little deeper and groovier than the last track- but it has some lovely pink-floydish acoustic guitar toward the end which ties it in nice with the last track. This is proper journey music in every sense of the word- his music tells a full story, continually changing and evolving. At times it sounds like a live drummer is playing the percussions, it’s a lot looser and more free than most trance percussion I’ve heard before. Great.
A Practice In Blackness is a bit darker and slightly more industrial sounding- dark grooves and crazy white noise frequencies- but don’t worry it hasn’t lost any of that tetrameth quirk! At times dischordant- could go as well at night or day this one.
Operation Mind Havest has the same apocalyptic overtone as the last track- this is very much music for the Australian outdoor daytime. I can almost smell the dust. Hovering bassline with a great progression- hold out of all hold outs. Cheeky little high end synths and this little melody that fully gets stuck in your head- this is one of my favourites on the album.
The 49th Vibration is of similar caliber- based around the philosophical concept of the 49th Vibration- this vocal driven track really takes some turns. This tracks makes you realise how much Pete’s live band influence affects his trance music- it really sounds like a band is playing this track! Zany samples as usual- “Witches in Nature?”… Wicked.
Easy Way Out has a more traditional trance feel to it than the last- not predictable (I’m not sure if this guy is capable of that) but just seems to follow a little bit more of a traditional like (its not as hard to mix as the last one, that’s for sure!). Nice one with a big breakdown section in the middle to bliss the crowd out. Layed back atmospheric groove.
Digital Acoustix featuring his brother James (aka Shadow FX) is one of the album highlights. These guys started making tunes together and now have their separate projects- the Shadow FX sound is slightly more deep and progressive, whereas the Tetrameth sound more Psychedelic and Accoustic- together their sound is absolutely complimentary, taking hints from both. James’ proggy vibes show through on the bassline, but its got the psychedelic space of the Tetrameth stuff going. One of my favourite tracks either guy has produced!
Closing the album is the quirky Jungle Weapon. Reminds me a little of stuff by Etnoscope or POTS this one- funky bassgroove with some “bits and pieces” kind of percussion in there. Great sample in there too, love it! A bit lighter than the last few- but a great way to close up the cd. Killer.
“Psychedelic Pyrotechnics” is a very personal album- Pete and music are somehow joined together and this album really represents a massive cognition of thought for him. Reading the quote on the cover really affirms this I think- I’ll let you read it yourself but in essence- how much enery, time and love Pete has put into this album shows and he will no dobut be regarded as one of the master progressive producers in years to come. I’m fortunate to know this guy and I can assure you he’s as solid as his tunes- congratulations Pete on the release of a fantastic album.
I challenge anyone to find me an album this year that sounds anything like this- if you can pull off a fresh sound that isn’t too experimental (ie crap) then I think you desever ultimate praise.
8.5/10 (only coz I know what he’s got in store for us in the future!)
Open Records, Australia
www.open-records.net |
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Acidhive
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jun 29, 2006 11:18
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Quote:
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On 2006-06-29 08:05, Suspekt wrote:
I challenge anyone to find me an album this year that sounds anything like this- if you can pull off a fresh sound that isn’t too experimental (ie crap) then I think you desever ultimate praise.
8.5/10 (only coz I know what he’s got in store for us in the future!)
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*cough* Nuclear Ramjet *cough*
Mission to Sedna is actually a bit in the same style and IMO better than this. Granted, this album is pretty good too. 
"Subconscious unravels at the point of death, and all time it has known erupts into a moment. As death extinguishes us, so we become it."
[Esoteric: Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum] |
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Suspekt
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Posted : Jul 2, 2006 17:24
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to tell the truth i really cant find a lot in the nuclear ramjet album... no offence, but its not exactly a "fresh" sound, sounds like all the other tech-trance out there...
Open Records, Australia
www.open-records.net |
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Acidhive
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jul 3, 2006 00:17
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Quote:
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On 2006-07-02 17:24, Suspekt wrote:
to tell the truth i really cant find a lot in the nuclear ramjet album... no offence, but its not exactly a "fresh" sound, sounds like all the other tech-trance out there...
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That is so not true. Most techtrance doesn't sound as 'fluffy' as Nuclear Ramjet does. Are you sure you've been listening to the same album as I have? Nuclear Ramjet, to me, is so good because of the melodies in their tracks. Anyway, this album is not bad, but where I find great enjoyment in Nuclear Ramjet, the same does not apply here. The tracks just drift on by and there is not really something that clicks. Matter of taste ofcourse. And all the uninspired samples about drugs etc. don't make it better either. Yawn! "Subconscious unravels at the point of death, and all time it has known erupts into a moment. As death extinguishes us, so we become it."
[Esoteric: Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum] |
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Rah
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jul 3, 2006 00:28
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i think they are two different things, i personally don't listen to Zenon music for melodies and catchy moments, that's not really what they do. But each their own
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Acidhive
IsraTrance Full Member
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Posted : Jul 22, 2006 02:21
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Listened to it some more and I'm definately hating the samples in this one. I'm glad I didn't buy it myself. My friend was kind enough to lend me his copy a few times but it's back to him for good now. It's just not my thing. It sounds too weakish in basslines, some of the songs get boring after a few minutes already and all the drugrelated / enlightenment samples are ticking me off every time I listen to it. The coverartwork is nice though... Oh well.
"Subconscious unravels at the point of death, and all time it has known erupts into a moment. As death extinguishes us, so we become it."
[Esoteric: Subconscious Dissolution Into The Continuum] |
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