Described as soundtrack to globalisation, Cyclotimia’s effort in creating an electronica infused album is strategically segmented into three distinct conceptual parts. Most of the tracks clock in at one or two minutes, which makes sense, since the collection contains thirty two tracks in total. Like the majority of the labels’ releases, Music for Stockmarkets is highly experimental and not catered towards the average mainstream listener.
The entirety of the first segment, titled Wallstreet Requiem comes off like level music in some archaic video game as seen on the Zelda-like “Quick Quote” whose name indicates the aural representation of a rapid value return of a stock price.
The second segment, Trivial Pleasures is a dreary addition that utilizes clicks and odd samples to garner a rather alarming effect. “Market Experts” consists of an electronic female voice repeating a phrase on loop, surrounded by samples derived from warning sirens.
The third section, Financial Glossary is decorated with several clips from financial news reports scattered amongst jarring beeps which rise and fall like on the forewarning “Oil” and the reverberating “Zero.” The remainder of the series is so foreign sounding, it feels as if it was recorded for a science fiction film with eery sounds and tension bulding repetitions. The pulsating effects of “Rebound” are so intense that the listener will be silly not to look over their shoulder to make sure that a monsterous creature is not lurking behind them, ready to attack.
As a concept album, the underlying premise on Music for Stockmarkets isn’t an uplifting one. Rather, the continuing thread that binds the collection together is a pessimistic look on international finance and its effect on a global and individual level. This view is spot on in terms of the dire consequences of decisions based on market expert reccomendations. While the album is experimental, it seems that each track is crafted to represent the physical reaction an individual would have to a certain phenomenon. Judging from some of the more incisive tracks, the reactions aren’t anything to cheer at, mirroring the current struggles occuring in the current economy.
Rukshan Thenuwara – MuzikReviews.com Staff
October 4, 2009
