Liles, Andrew – “Anal Aura Gram (ophone)” – [Beta-Lactam Ring Records]

Released in 2009 by Andrew Liles, this record contains remixes, re-recordings and alternate versions of tracks from the cd “Aural Anagram” (2003). It is based on the erotic works, ideas and obsessions of the artist Hans Bellmer (who apparently is best known for creating life-sized pubescent female dolls.) There is nothing sexy about this record. If anything it is tense and eerie. This is a soundscape of drones, tones and dark ambiance. Synthesized sounds and swells along wih ringing feedback and a constant hum. This record is quite minimalistic, it occasionally builds but never peaks. Side A contains vocal samples speaking of sexual subjects, both processed and clear. Voices include those of men, women and little girls. Side B is based more on dark, abstract sounds with very little vocals. This record is delightfully creepy and uncomfortable. -Surfer Rosa