It’s quite obvious that if the 19-tracks that make up Snow Blindness Is Crystal Antz weren’t composed by one of Canada’s most talented song writers, the casual fan probably wouldn’t embrace Black Mold. Instead of listening to every track, hoping to find unique ways to compare and contrast the collection of late night synth sounds, warming organics and fragmented computer glitches to the critically acclaimed catalog Chad has created, most casual fans would listen to a few tracks and probably look for something else.

But that’s the thing. Chad’s past helps keep us listening, knowing patience will reward us with treasures and surprises. Without question, his work as Black Mold does just that. On the opening track, Metal Spider Webs, he builds a cushion of stand up bass, reeds, delicate strings and percussion before unleashing the warbled synths to introduce chaos and atmosphere that blends seamlessly into the fragmented sounds of Dr. Snouth, which sounds more like a conversation with an 80’s computer in a bad movie than a song. You start to wonder how you can digest 17 more, but then he changes pace again with the infectious, tropical feel of the cleverly named IDM inspired, Uke Puke.

In just 6-minutes, you see why Snowblind is Crystal Antz is so important. Black Mold finally gives Chad an outlet for all of his deepest thoughts and noise experiments. Using homemade and vintage instruments, sampling from influences – honestly, the lead single Tetra Pack Heads could have made it’s way into any IDM/jungle DJs list of preferred jams - that he’s unable to add to his more standard work, Black Mold is really a glimpse into the side of Chad that stays up when the sun is coming up, trying to record every single sound he creates.

Some are beautiful (Wet Ferns, Metal Spider Webs). Some make you shake your ass (Uke Puke, Gummed Desk). Some are more apt as video game or movie scores (No Dream Nation, Barn Swallow Vs. SK-1). Some feel like the portal into the mind of a twisted man (Dr. Snouth, Smoking Rat Shit). Most however are a crazy assimilation of all of those feelings, textures and sounds. He can create a melody that on its own would entertain you, but floods it with pitfalls, speed bumps and unsteady terrain that challenges you to keep listening and him to keep it all together.

Black Mold isn’t another CVG record, and really, thank god. I think these late night experiments are as important to Chad as they are to his fans. When you really listen you can hear that these tracks are like the Rosetta Stone, helping us follow the path of creation for some of his most spirited solo creations, but more importantly, they let Chad completely escape without having to stay in the confines of a record and keep his creative energy coursing through his veins.

If you head over to Flemish Eye before August 11th, you can pre-order the record and receive a bonus drop-card with 100 extra minutes of music and a poster.

MP3:: Black Mold - Metal Spider Webs

MP3:: Black Mold - Tetra Pack Heads
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/blackmoldmusic
Pre-Order:: Buy from Flemish Eye

Labels: Black Mold, Canada, Chad Vangaalen, Music, Review