Beta Two Agonist - zero point field

Minimal glitchy atmosphere's complimented by spare soft rhythms and gentle, yet moving, shades of melody. Beta Two Agonist was born in 1976 in Barcelona, son of a Catalan musician and a Dutch mother. He attended art college around 1998. There he discovered the computer as a valuable tool, while picking up the mindset of experimentation and openness. Through the years the borders between music and noise were blurring. He discovered that error and chance can be wonderful, and captures those magic moments in audio. He also uses field recordings, percussion and other objects, circuit-bent toys and contraptions, synths, effects pedals and software. Databloem is so good at finding new talent in ambient electronica, and they have really outdone themselves this time in bringing listeners the fresh sounds of Beta Two Agonist. From the opening floating ambience of “Midian” you will be drawn right in. It is sparse and yet lush as pinging experimental noises move deftly across a bed of warm synth pads. The music manages to be highly organic and highly synthetic in the same breath. One-word song titles conjure vaguely scientific or sci-fi imagery. Whether “Horta” is named after a creature from one of my favorite Star Trek episodes I can’t say, but it’s a cool notion regardless. Strings add a bit more melancholia to this one. though the relaxed effortlessness remains. “Cesar” is a bit more random, scattered bits of electronics jumping out here and there, though it too settles down into dreamier tones. The music is pretty in its own way, despite the frequent lack of a distinct melody or rhythmic component. “Geode” is the sort of pleasant sonic abstraction that Saul Stokes might come up with in a mellower moment. A crisp, quirky loop forms the foundation for “Rainbow,” with lots of other electronic sounds layered in to keep it company. Even when there’s a lot going on though, the mood remains laid back, even calm. A narrative about the properties of rainbows runs through the background in the latter part of the piece. Things gets a bit more glitchy but not overly so during “Inkling” and “Mesm.” “Fontana” finishes Zero Point Field in relaxed fashion. Highly recommended.

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