URE THRALL - Premonition 9/11 - The Traveler - 7" - 2 tracks - Drone Records - 2003

Released last February by the excellent vinyl-only label Drone Records, this new 7" offers two tracks by the long-active American experimental artist Ure Thrall, member of Smooth Quality Excrement as well. The first impression comes from the very intriguing handmade cover representing an American flag composed of some close-up shot of the World Trade Center before its collapse... An artwork in perfect symbiosis with the first title 'Premonition 9/11', dedicated to the victims of all wars everywhen...
The track begins with samples of voices shouting their fear, rhythmed by some tribal percussions mixed with oriental sonorities. The intensity grows progressively; the rhythm becomes hypnotic before leaving place to some new samples of shouts and media live-report...
The combined presence of victims and terrorists participate to this whole atmosphere of crazy violence and aggression. As for the masterful final, that incorporates a recording of the second tower of the World Trade Center, it just takes one's breath away! I could not imagine another soundtrack for the 9th September events...
The second track 'The Traveler' is based on a long and calm melody. My opinion could be a bit biased, as I am fond of this kind of lost and endless melody, mixed here with some drawn-out E-Bowed guitar sounds and electronic loops...
The first edition of this marbled red vinyl is limited to 250 copies and comes with an insert which features a very interesting text written by Ure Thrall about the consequences of the 9th September events on the Americans daily freedom.
A new release, awaited with a certain interest, should follow this very convincing 7" under the title 'Arabian Knightmares'...

Highly recommended!

Nathalie F.
Spring 2003

Contacts:
Drone Records (label / mail-order) : www.dronerecords.com
Ure Thrall : radiantslab.com/asianova