Structural Fault - Intro/Version

Structural Fault is a solo project, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and formed in 2006 by Jose Luis Colque "El Sarco". El Sarco says that Structural Fault is the archetype of a neo-apocalyptic futuristic world, sometimes projected in our dreams. 'Intro/Version', the debut CD was released in June 2011 and consists of 13 tracks and is on the Slovakian Aliens Production label.

In "Earth Without Humans" the given IDM and Ambient descriptors are obvious from the first notes. It is also very synthesizer-oriented, with a touch of industrial about it. There is a space atmosphere also and unlike much ambient music it has a dub like beat and almost hidden in there is a melody, reminding me of the Dr Who Theme music by Ron Grainer. A good sound reminding me of the ambient music created by Jean Michel Jarre, and more Kraftwerk than Eno. "Evi" also has something of a Jarre feel to it, with a drum beat in the background not unlike Queen's "We Will Rock You". It again creates an atmosphere, and reminds me even of Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells", apart from that drum beat and other industrial influences that become more and more apparent as we proceed. This is really hard to pin down description wise as despite its influences its far from being Ambient Industrial, spacemusic is probably the nearest I can get but even then its no neat fit, but that's the open nature of ambient music in general.

Tracks like "Exit Of Emergency", have a very dark soundtrack like feel. To me its ambient but it goes somewhat against Brian Eno's famous quote about ambient music, "Ambient Music is intended to induce calm and a space to think." I say somewhat because although its got something of the chillout factor, in its entirety it just sounds too dark to induce calm. And what do labels really matter anyway as its once again a good sound sculpture. "Love In Cryogenic State" as the title might suggest has much more of a calm inducing state. Having that deep thinking quality and sense of floating. Could be used for relaxation but I think the drum beat makes it even more suited to inspiration. The soundscape is even capable of creating a lot of emotion, its music for the imagination.

"Rain On Steel" is a more ambient IDM track without the emphasis on dance, and perhaps more experimental in sound than previous tracks with an element of noise. Its dark in nature, and gives out a melancholic vibe and that of confinement. There is nothing pure about this music but whether you like it or not, there is no much attention to detail. As always any elements of industrial music are used with subtlety. "Stranger On A Planet" creates exactly what the title suggests, a feeling of isolation and also that of open spaces. A track made for painless introspection, time to peel away the exterior facade and peer into the true person within, time to get to the place where your true identity is found, and all that kind of stuff, if that's what your into.

"Strayed" appears to be a dark ambient track, but quickly develops noise, and then turns to something much more melodic with each previous incarnation fading but remaining in the background. Overall it has connotations of isolationism. There is also a lot of passion in much of this music, passion both in the music, the created electronic atmospheres, and in the way it was created. A very dark atmosphere is quickly created in "The Last Sedation". Thoughts turn to alienation, forlornness and, despondency and maybe even torture. Whatever it is I am sure the purpose is to create an atmosphere of discomfort. Again there is also isolation, it creates a sense of being too late, something is unresolved and it never will be, hence once again the discomfort.

"The Weeping Nocturne Of Harbor Streets" paints for me a picture of sentimentality, followed by anticlimax and disappointment. Its like going home after many years and finding you don't like it, everyone can find their own story to fit. I call this a sound sculpture because somewhere in there is a work of art. Again the detail is good, sculpted out amongst this wall of sound is that centre piece, its always there running right through the track. The centre piece is delicate but what surrounds it is harsh and unforgiving in nature. If you are not feeling despondent enough, "There Is No Leak" will complete the task. Its a beautiful but melancholic sound. It maybe most fittingly tells of remorse, and it engaged me quicker than previous tracks. "Wandering Ghost" has a certain amount of mysticism about it and that brings with it a meditative quality, which fits with the feeling it has of spaciousness. But unlike much space music it has both melody and harmony. So dark ambient is probably my best description as it definitely sounds foreboding and ominous. For all its melody and harmony the picture it paints in my mind in one of the complete opposite, of discord, and a situation which is both unmelodious and unharmonious.

"Within My Blood" is again very dark, painting a picture in the mind of lonely and desperate people, somewhere they don't want to be. Its just made for a dark or perhaps sci-fi soundtrack, and described as ambient IDM. Could well be used for relaxation despite the picture it paints to me, its one for deep listening and meditation even. For people who want to practice the cultivation and appreciation of sounds on a heightened level. Fortunately it is something I have no interest in and am probably incapable of anyway. Our final track is "Collapse" is full of distorted beats, it contains an outer industrial wall, but it has a melodic centre. It sounds like an exploration of new lands, taking you past your boundaries and limits.


Conclusion:
This is a headphones album for those who want to stretch their imagination. It supplies 13 tracks to take you through a range of possible apparitions and emotions, which depend on where you want to go and your ability to perceive. Right through the album is a centre of beauty within the dark outer shell, again it will depend on the individual whether they see that beauty and what they perceive it as. Its dark and melancholy and at times the journey may make you lonely, sad and feel isolated, but somehow its not necessarily how you will feel when you complete the course.

Recommended for time travellers, and those who appreciate dark ambient, ambient IDM and space music. My highlights of the album are "The Weeping Nocturne Of Harbor Streets", and "Wandering Ghost". Partly because it is where that central work of art was most noticeable, and because with the track in between them "There Is No Leak", they seemed to flow into each other and paint an overall picture. If you can let the album use your mind as a canvas then its probably for you. Sep 11 2012