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Delicate Noise Diversion Lens

      Diversion, the debut disc from Delicate Noise is an exercise in ambition, means and technology, but lacks a few other necessities to cast an engaging spell on its listener. Filling its shoes in its own cement, the record wrestles with a style that has been evolved far beyond the contents of this broadcast, making it look transient as its wade makes ripples. Where Diversion should be dark it casts a reflection and where it should thump it casts a refraction. The man behind the moniker, Mark Andrushko, is a seasoned artist in the fields of theatre and film attempting to widen his breadth with a Halloween release on Chicago's Lens Records. His rookie disc is the result of a creative burst that followed a return to Chicago after several years spent working in Los Angeles.

      Too busy to be hypnotic, too present to be ignored, the sound of Diversion is best described as a laptop workout loaded with commonplace electronic patterns and budget sound effects that represent the bare bones of what most modern gadgets are capable of. The record is an interesting listen because its creator is someone seemingly loaded with knowledge of art form, emotional value, and stylistic punch. Maybe this is why it strikes a chord as being somewhat disjointed in comparison to similar works. It is anything but careful or calculated, but never manages to feel daring. To simply write this off as unworthy of an ear would be unfair, Andrushko is coming from a unique, yet related place. Whether or not this works as a complete piece of music is debatable, but whether or not this works as an installation from an artist is undeniable.

      Diversion’s sense of vocal dynamics leaves a good deal to be desired here. Adrushko’s voice seems to be smattered over the electricity rather than mended to its pulse. When the songs are playing they beg for attention, and, unfortunately, they get what they ask for. Highpoints in the music are often dragged down by a vocal undertow full of missed rhymes and anti-melodies. What exactly he is going for beyond mood is quite hard to grasp. Too much ambiguity and wan delivery leave everything sounding flat and sterile in an environment that has the makings to be anything but.

      The rhythmic choices throughout the album are a perfect match for the mono, emotionless lead that they are following. None of the drum sequences or counter rhythms have any kick to them, leaving each song with something less like a beat and more like a tap. Some tracks, like the aptly named "Simplicity," not only take off with no intention of landing, they further the hypothesis that this release is less about music and more about _expression and singular purpose. Taken as two separate parts the vocals and music do not make the grade on their own; when boiled together and burned on disc the results are not much better.

      Diversion is a slow moving trip through the mind of someone grappling for artistic presence. The record's attempt at unity is successful; unfortunately the mass is weightier than the intended result, a true shame considering how closely the effort comes to evoking a feeling and creating a scene. With a bit of retooling and growth Delicate Noise could be on the verge of releasing something truly enrapturing.

-Joel Armato 09/06/06