eXquisite CORpsE Between Rhythms

Platform 23 is delighted to release a compilation across 4 EPs of the music of Dutch producer Robbert Heijnen (Psychick Warriors Of Gaia / SUMUS) and his Exquisite Corpse project. First appearing as a one off contribution to a Katharos Foundation compilation cassette and using only tape loops in 1986, Exquisite Corpse was resurrected in 1992, shortly before Robbert left PWOG to concentrate on his solo music. Now equipped with a modest midi set-up, most of the Exquisite Corpse material was recorded with the aid of mixing desk master, engineer and friend, Tim Freeman, as well as with later contributions from partner Debbie Jones (The Mistress/DJ Venus). Released on Belgian label KK Records, the tracks included in these 12"s are taken from a furtive two year period that saw six EPs and two LPs released. Starting with Inner Rhythm (Higher World Mix), taken from 1993's EP of the same name, Between Rhythms I starts with intent. Crisp percussion, relentless and interwoven sequences abound over a dark bassline, before the dub meet world sounds of Kupuri show the depth of EC's outlook. This is backed by the rawness of X-Out from 1992's Strange Attractor EP. Recorded to cassette before Tim joined the project, the guttural bass and sharp percussion cross boundaries between house and techno. This deep tribal sound, full of pulsing drums highlights a sharper angle from much of EC's output and as such, is a pure club machine. The first EP closes with Sitting In A Tree (Time Flies). The first track to be taken from their debut album, Dream Night Dance Music, the album is rightly considered their strongest, more rounded record, seeing it now trading at spiralled prices. With all 6 of it's songs to be covered across the 12" series, the ambient influences and yearning keys here make for a perfect, first ending.