The eight album by a Canadian electronic artist Tim Hecker is his most notable release yet. I mean, when Pitchfork gives you 8.2, you know you have made it, at least in the area of critics’ respect. I won’t get into analysis of how realistic that is, but one thing is for sure – Hecker is interesting and talented, and he does not have a problem with over-achievement. He is one of those artists who experiments and indulges in eclecticism in aspiration to reach the new audio horizons. This man wants to put so many things into one, so instead of Jon Hopkins’ or Ben Lukas Boysen’s minimalism, you get a cacophonic amalgam. Did his leap into the unknown pay off?
The opening track Obsidian Counterpoint misleads you with its simple Indian melody, but the next one, Music of the Air captivates your ears with esoteric overlapping of various samples and distortions that irritate your nerves. The powerful and atmospheric Live Leak Instrumental would serve as a great soundtrack for a scene from Lynch’s movie. My favorite is Castrati Stack, the track that also gained most attention in media.
Overall, Love Streams is not a bad album. With his approach, Hecker brought the touch of fresh air to the electronic scene, but failed to tame his eclecticism. The chaos is something he should pay attention to next time he produces a record. Hecker has an undeniable talent for good melody, and he certainly does not lack technical skills. It’s just that he should focus more quality and not the quantity of the sounds.
