Eric Copeland: Hermaphrodite

Label: Paw Tracks

Before I rave about this spectacular solo record from Eric Copeland of Black Dice, let me confess that I am not the world’s biggest Black Dice fan. In fact, I really don’t care for them at all. But this record is something different altogether. It’s experimental all right, but there’s a pervasive lightness and melodicism in Hermophrodite that sets it quite apart from your typical Black Dice record. It’s also got a wonderfully playful edge, particularly in its use of guitars, field recordings, synth lines and vocal noises. It moves gracefully from noise to abstract ambience without missing a beat, lulling you with hypnotic loops and patterns. Copeland has turned out something very impressive here, creating a sonic masterwork that’s as good as anything from the other heavyhitters of New York’s noise underworld. One of the finest experimental records of the year. (James)