If someone asks what electronica is, the best response is "many different things." Electronica can be anything from the harsh, abrasive sensory assault of techno played at maximum volume in a rave or club setting to the lush, sensuous sounds of chillout and downtempo. Depending on the artist, electronica might choose to gently wine and dine the listener or -- on the other hand -- may take great pleasure in beating, punching, stomping and pounding the listener into submission (techno has a long history of doing a lot of beating, punching, stomping and pounding). In the case of the New York City-based
Growing
, electronica has often been described as a drone -- and the word "drone" frequently applies on
All the Way
. But even though this 2007/2008 recording can be quite repetitious, there is still a fair amount of variety. Parts of the instrumental 36-minute disc are mildly abrasive (although not ultra-abrasive), but much of the time,
is more dreamy than anything. The fact that instrumentals like
"Wrong Ride,"
"Green Flag,"
"Reconstruction,"
and
"Lens Around"
tend to be repetitious is not a bad thing, and anyone who finds
's use of repetition to be problematic is missing the point.
often go for musical hypnosis; therefore, repetition is not only advisable for them -- it is downright necessary. It is an effective tool in their high-tech arsenal.
isn't
's best or most essential release, but it's a likable outing and should have no problem appealing to the New Yorkers' hardcore followers. ~ Alex Henderson