The
Uni series began when Alva Noto was booked to play live at the club
UNIT in Tokyo, and had to adapt his sound accordingly for that
environment. ‘UNIEQAV’ follows-on from and develops the concept
of Alva Noto’s ‘Unitxt’ and ‘Univrs’ albums, and completes
the third part in the trilogy, whereby each record is both unique and
part of the bigger picture. This is also mirrored in the artwork for
each release, which when combined form a triptych spelling ‘Uni’.
Described by Carsten as “sonically representing an underwater
dive”, the gleaming ‘UNIEQAV’ brings as usual an inherent
artistic, conceptual and scientific depth. Mathematics, data, unit
systems, grids, rhythms, codes, text, language, spoken word, DNA,
science technology and nature are all utilised, for both inspiration
and execution.
As with the last two Uni releases, the French sound
poet Anne-James Chaton collaborates here, on ‘Uni Dna’. Where on
previous records Chaton first provided a vocal track to which Nicolai
composed, this time the duo flipped it; the poet wrote for an
existing track, adding his unique vocal approach to recite amino
acids that constitute the DNA molecule.
Regarding Carsten’s
interest in 3D sound design and building sonic spaces, ‘UNIEQAV’
transports the listener to a modern, spacious and zen-like place for
meditative movement. But conversely the album works equally well in a
dark club - as for every glistening digital spark and simple, emotive
melody - there’s a stealthy bassline, frenetic drum pattern and
colossal low-end thump.