You never know what you are going to get with a Wasted Cathedral release and I think of that as a good thing. Chris Laramee, who fronts the Saskatoon based project, dabbles in sounds that range from ambient to vaporwave to percussive bleeps and bloops but is generally loop focused. The new album released by Centripetal Force explores a number of different approaches and textures but primarily focuses on percussion loops with minimalist texture layers.
The album kicks off with “Alan Parsons Stairway’ a meditative piece featuring sweeping key pads and a repetitive guitar stroke loop with additional crystalline effects. Traffic Lights takes a more percussive approach with a repeating drum loop and guitar chord that reminds me somewhat of later Beequeen releases. “First Degree Murder” and “Smokes” are two quick hitters focusing on percussion loops with some atmospheric rain taking center stage on the former track.” The Great Minnesota Train Wreck” hits close to home as I am based in Minnesota and I can certainly hear this track representing the frigid wasteland that I call home with its glitchy techno rhythm punctuated by the simulated train whistle effect. “Realistic Beat” slowly evolves its two main sound layers into a cohesive meditative piece combining a shimmering pad and a soft electronic loop. The album closes on a similar tune in “Trees” while adding a few more layers of percussive and vocal loops with a touch of bass creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Overall another solid release from Wasted Cathedral. Maybe a bit softer of an approach trending towards soundscapes and more experimental textures?
Available from Centripetal Force (USA) and Cardinal Fuzz (UK)
