Released by: Cold Spring Records - CSR30CD
Release year: 2001
Format: CD
Tracklist:
1: East I 04:04
2: East II 03:41
3: East III 04:42
4: Southeast 05:24
5: South I 02:50
6: South II 02:58
7: North I 03:12
8: North II 03:23
9: North III 03:32
10: West 13:10
Total Length: 47:24 min
General Facts:
Genesis P-Orridge and Z`ev have crossed paths in order to produce a 47 minutes long journey through some really untraditional soundscapes. this hybrid mindchild goes under the title Direction of Travel and it is some kind of ethnic Noise music with a lot of emphasis on strange rhythms, deep drones and ringing metal sounds.
Review:
My general impression of this CD is that it is very psychotic in a most devious way. The music often seems to delude the listener and place itself in the background, establishing a weird, sometimes straining atmosphere in the air. It is not always apparent since the listen becomes unconscious, yet it surely has an effect upon me as a listener, that I know from experiencing this album developing an almost hypnotic nature. It is not psychotic a'la Sutcliffe Jugend or BDN, no this music almost lacks harsh elements or manic vocals. Instead it has something to do with how the rhythms are constructed and how the sounds interfere with them. It is quite sublime and minimal at times and provide an excellent basis for altering ones state of mind.
I first didn't know really how to take this CD, yet Genesis P-Orridge and Z`ev have been as kind as to submit an extensive booklet with various notes on the psychology of the album to function as guide. It isn't exactly easy-reading since it involves a lot of psychological terms on the field of trance as well as a very sophisticated language to penetrate. Yet it does shed some light upon the concept of this album, which - as far as I can see - is trance.
My favourite tunes on this CD are definitely the North tunes (fittingly considering my national heritage). It is especially good when hear through headphones or in another situation when you can really distinguish the pan effect, which sets a good example here.
In the end, I feel that the music of Direction ov Travel is as entrancing as it is demanding, nothing I listen to every day but instead something I might enjoy when I can really focus on the music and what it is all about. It is surely a one of a kind album with a lot of substance. Interesting..
Ectonaut