Description:
Side A - Gareth Hardwick’s contribution to this split LP is the latest in a flurry of releases this year, with each one only serving to cement his growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading experimental ambient artists. ‘Lost in the Memory’ is perhaps his strongest recording to date – an exquisite 15 minute piece that demonstrates both the rapid development of his approach to composition and his masterful technique and control of whichever instrument he chooses to pick up.  In this case, Gareth turns his attention to the lap steel guitar, which whilst heavily processed and beautifully affected, remains recognisable. As the piece begins, a glissando chord progression develops through graceful swells and mournful slides, movements so delicate that they almost give the impression that you are listening to some forgotten requiem or arcane arrangement for a string quartet. In time, these movements settle upon one longing tone, a desolate lament for a feeling once held or moment now past. And then comes the coup de grace: an unexpected harmony elevates the piece and the arrangement flourishes: a moment of pure euphoria before the denouement of the final sombre chords.

Side B - Machinefabriek is the working name of Rutger Zuydervelt, a musician and graphic designer based in Arnhem, The Netherlands. Since beginning in 2004, his prolific output, formed through a series of limited monthly self-released 3" cds, collaborations and albums has been matched only by the unfeasibly high standard of these creations.
Machinefabrieks side of the release, 'Bathyale (Parts 2&3)' is a specially re-edited version of a 2006 recording originally intended for broadcast on VPRO's Zeldzaam Dwars.  Over the course of 17 minutes, we are presented with a perfect overview of the myriad of styles that Rutger crams into his musical repertoire – processed hiss and static dissolve effortlessly into sublime melodic drones with bursts of controlled feedback acting as anchoring points to the composition.  The result is a powerfully hypnotic yet strongly realised track that acts as the perfect compliment to both artists work.

Reviews:
Review at Angry Ape
Review at Brainwashed
Review at Foxy Digitalis
Boomkat 'Album of the Week' W/E 21st Oct 2007
Norman Records 'Album of the Week' W/E 21st Oct 2007
The Wire, July 2008 - 'Electronica' review by David Stubbs

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