Bleep

Anyone familiar with Four Tet’s stunning contribution to the fabriclive series will already be familiar with ‘The Continuing Story Of Counterpoint, Pt. 9’, but few will have encountered it in its original context. David Borden, a man who was reportedly in the room when the pitch wheel was invented, is a true electronic music pioneer, and was heavily involved with the development of the Moog and founder of the world’s first all-synthesiser ensemble, Mother Mallard’s Portable Masterpiece Company. Music For Amplified Keyboard Instruments, given a welcome reissue on Spectrum Spools, is a timeless example of Borden’s craft, echoing the work of Steve Reich and Phillip Glass in the hypnotic circularity of its minimal arrangements. As promised by the title there is no percussion on these tracks, but they are no weaker for it, the swirling arpeggios and ominous drones creating a singular atmosphere and presenting a significant milestone in the development of synthesised composition.