SKIN AREA ?

[FreakAnimalFinland]

Huh!! Listened the new "Rothko Field" CD and was like THIS is Skin Area??? It's great stuff, but at the same time, I wonder what the hell I have been listening before? I should have some Skin Area in my shelves, but some vague recollection always said in my head "dark ambient".

This new is like the most musical and most refined version of IRM martin's projects. Clear similarities to both IRM and his solo works, but still perhaps one notch more musical and "professionally" produced. Bass riff compositions have more epic touch at their best. Of course one wonders slightly what makes this stand apart (except line-up) from other works when vocal effects are the same, vocal style is the same, overall lyrical content isn't that far away, artwork/collages are the same technic. Use of bass and other electronics not so far from what his other projects been up to recently?

Anyways, any recommendations of previous Skin Area releases and comments of the style compared to this new? For people who liked for example Martin Bladh CD  Freak Animal just put out, this CD is mandatory.

[bogskaggmannen]

I wouldn't really say either of the first two albums are dark ambient (maybe due released on CMI?) - listening again the first CD right now and it starts out with pretty fat guitar noise which evolves into harmonium drone. At the time, Martin was heavily inspired by Gira's Body Lovers project which sometimes shines through in the way certain tracks are executed and also soundwise but I still enjoy this thoroughly. I would say Skin Area's focus lies more in being varied and free form.

Will spin the double disc later today.

[ConcreteMascara]

Their track on the 10" split with IRM is one of my favorites. Harsh noise evolving into free jazz (or maybe its the other way around) done exceptionally well. And the IRM side is also one of their best tracks.

[GEWALTMONOPOL]

I've listened to Rothko Field quite a lot and consider it superior compared to their previous releases. While the 2xCD is very eclectic, actually unfocused with it's high points and low points, this is a very strong and homogenous work. Comparisons with IRM are inevitable but I think this albums establishes SA as a unique and outstanding band in its own right. Penultimate track In The Skin II is so good I wish it would carry on forever!