New Lesson Lesson Lessen Relearn record
Lessen Lesson Lessen Relearn
Smiling at Technology EP
West Palm Beotch Records
Brian Eno once spoke of a music that could be “actively listened to with attention or as easily ignored, depending on the choice of the listener.” Smiling at Technology, the newest EP from West Palm Beach’s Lessen Lesson Lessen Relearn, demonstrates a profound understanding of this seemingly paradoxical statement (and for all of you skeptics out there: to be ignored is not necessarily a bad thing). In fact, one of the most striking things about this record is that it doesn’t immediately command your attention. Instead, it slowly grows on you, grows around you.
Nelson Hallonquist has been quietly releasing solo records under his Lesson Lesson Lessen Relearn moniker for quite some time and this latest offering could very well be his best. The EP comes out swinging with “Psychic Feedback”, a brooding, sinister track suffused with swirling samples and droning pads that eventually collapse beneath a torrent of distortion, screeches, and feedback. “Cocoanut Ghost” rounds things out a bit, offering up a more subtle, mental journey. Despite the track being steeped in pulsating reverb, softer organic sounds emerge and recede to provide levity.
Nelson, sorry your computer had a bad acid trip, but kudos to you for having the resolve to record the whole fiasco. The results are hauntingly superb!
This record, as well as many others, can be downloaded (for free) on West Palm Beotch Records.
