Rating:
Genre:
Electronica
Release Date: 03/18/2008
Claro Intelecto is
Mark Stewart -- not the
On-U Sound Mark Stewart but the Manchester-based
Mark Stewart -- who several years ago was deeply embedded in the
IDM and
electro scenes and then began to work in a more minimalist, Manchester-meets-Berlin vein on his
Warehouse Sessions EPs. With a new moniker and a new full-length album,
Stewart brings together all of his earlier influences to create a sound that is nevertheless something of a departure from all of them.
Metanarrative is often dry and sometimes even a bit arch in tone, but it's never chilly or standoffish;
"Harsh Reality," in particular, is melancholy and strangely beautiful, with clouds of harmony floating around a simple and almost monolithic beat.
"Gone to the Dogs," on the other hand, is dark and glitchy, with a somewhat eerie and foreboding mood, while
"Nodrex" nicely juxtaposes a strutting rhythm with a contemplative chord progression.
"Innocence" misses the chance to do something very interesting: the hints of Latin rhythm are intriguing in a minimal
electro context, but the piece ends up noodling around aimlessly and never becomes as interesting as it should have. But
"Beautiful Death" ends the program on a quiet and gently regretful note, completing an arc of moods and textures that makes the album an impressive listening experience overall. Recommended.
~Rick Anderson, All Music Guide