DecaycastREVIEWS : P.C.R.V. “Note To Self” CD (LEM , 2013)
P.C.R.V. is the longstanding project of Billings, MT based artist Matt Taggart . His PCRV Project historically has focused on harsh noise (passionately crafted with intent and direction) In a blend of a cut-up and wall styles of noise PCRV squeaks out intense soundscapes of conceptual noise music. Newer, more recent recorded works and performances have somewhat abandoned P.C.R.V.’s “signature style” so to speak, for a more fluxes / dada / playful/ conceptual approach to sound and performance; this newer style possesses no lack of excitement or interest though, almost always holding the same tension that the HARSH noise recordings do, just in a different and unique way.
“Note To Self” is no exception- a blending of all his styles – harsh noise, Minimalist breaks , tension, multi dimensional uses of sound through varied sound sources and rules of engagement with said sound sources, occasional jazz like sputterings and “field recordings” who knows? Who cares really , cause it sounds CRUNCHY. PCRV shows he as a near uncanny ability to navigate these drastically different styles of sound preparation and intent.
On the cover, “Note To Self” Boasts an intricate, yet crude collage by the artist himself – which is the perfect visual representation of the sounds existing within this album. PCRV’s sound palette has been quite diverse over the years and this disc is no exception. Jumping from harsh and blown out to subtle, conceptual and super minimal gives the listener a wide array of sonic possibilities and interactions, even the harsh sounds in this disk have a playfulness to them, the artists intention ? Really comes through in an interesting way. It’s a game – but it’s not . And also catch this dude LIVE if you get the chance, you may not know what to expect ; DADA / FLUXUS games or HARSH FUCKING NOISE, but it’s a great treat either way – TOP NOTCH.
written by. Malo
D E C A Y C A S T Magazine 