Those who know Brian Case from his band Disappears will probably be surprised when listening to »Tense Nature«. The guitarist from Chicago does not use his solo debut to continue focusing on snappy riffs but rather goes for minimalistic loops. However, if you are somewhat familiar with Brian Case’s works, you won’t be caught off guard, considering that he is part of the project Bambi Kino Duo (together with Justin Walter on the Steiner EVI synth) and that he used to follow the traditions of La Monte Young together with minimalist Robert A.A. Lowe in the band 90 Day Men. Both influences seem to have played a major role for »Tense Nature«, which also calls for a fresh and new engagement with his band Disappears. In 12 fragmented and short sketches (often not longer than two or three minutes), Brian Case is introducing the listener to dark spaces, echoing halls and interesting new worlds, even though the tracks have a tendency to dissolve due to their fragmented form. All questions remain unanswered – and that’s what keeps the listener curious, in particular because nothing appears as random, despite the incompleteness. Quite the contrary: there is a poetic depth that runs through the entire release, keeping the construct together in all its fragility. Why has this quality escaped me until now when listening to the Disappears? Note to self: have a re-listen.
Tense Nature
