This split CD (released also separately on two 12") pairs Estonian electronica artists Barbariz and Pastacas. Both artists have an affinity for blending and combining electronic rhythms and textures with organic instrumentation and vocal experimentation. Curiously enough, they are also both visual-artists-turned-musicians. As on previous respective releases, their visual art backgrounds are reflected in their shared cut-and-paste approach to song composition. The tracks that Pastacas contributes range from soothingly melodic to introspectively melancholic. His tracks are mostly instrumental, and when he does employ vocals, he does so deliberately and inventively (like in the track ?ING?). Barbariz?s tracks share an overall downtempo vibe, although he is a bit more faithful to traditional notions of song structure than Pastacas. His lyrics, despite their relative scarcity, are mostly in English, and they add a subtle quirkiness to the album that is quite endearing: ?Wendy says she?s vegetarian, Wendy she likes animals." While at times the individual song structures may be cut and pasted, the overall album itself is seamless in the convergence of both artists? unique musical aesthetics.

Tim Chase