CoC : Scanner Vs. Signs Ov Chaos - Scanner Vs. Signs Ov Chaos : Review

Scanner Vs. Signs Ov Chaos - _Scanner Vs. Signs Ov Chaos_
(Earache, 1997)
by: Adrian Bromley (5 out of 10)

Both Scanner and Signs Ov Chaos (consisting of solo artists Robin Rimbaud and Michael Wells) are bands that are pushing the boundaries of extreme music as far as techno/ambient/noise outfits go. The music on this 6-song split CD (three songs each) flourishes in the eerie and creative department, but lacks in the variety department. Most of the songs cater to the respective styles of each performer. We hear the soft, atmospheric and tranquil side of Rimbaud and the vibrant and chaotic frenzy of Wells in their material, but so similar are the songs' ideas (in both cases) that we rarely get a glimpse of where both are taking their music. I mean, three songs a piece makes it kind of hard to determine whether or not someone has the talent to keep things fresh and varied, but judging by this, I'm left thinking that the two should have offered us more of a glimpse into their evolving musical ideas. This is my first introduction to Rimbaud's work in Scanner (which sounds like Soma or Fetisch Park in many ways), but I do have Signs Ov Chaos' _Frankenscience_. I recommend that one more, due to the fact that it contains fourteen tracks of mind-bending and rabid techno/industrial/ambient that'll give you a massive rush to the head and system. This newer material is mediocre compared to what I've heard before.

(article published 16/10/1997)