reviews

Alternative Press - USA 1997

Subtitled "interpretations in a classical form," these adaptations of Attrition's repertoire are scored for string trio plus organ, percussion and occasional voice. They're the result of classical violist Frank Dematteis' enthusiasm for Attrition, which first led to his collabaration with the group on last year's Three Arms and A Dead Cert. Attrition's own work over the course of 13 years and 10 albums can be loosely characterized as melodic, rhythmic industrial with a gothic edge, in the mode of Coil, SPK and Legendary Pink Dots. Superficially, it seems that much might be lost in the translation to classical chamber music - the dancefloor rhythms, the various electronic effects and founder Martin Bowes' cretive sampling. But Dematteis, who also performs with the orchestra of the Paris Opera, highlights both the quasi-operatic vocals of Julia Waller (who is the other half of Attrition) and the group's mysterious, somewhat mournful minor-key sensibility. This translates into simple elegant music of a baroque and even medieval cast. The connection between the contemporary gothic subculture and the neo-gothic chamber music on this CD is intriguing, as there are common intimations of melancholy, mortality and quiet dread.

Xian says...zine - USA - 1997

"Etude is a collection of classical remixes of some of Attrition's best work over the last decade, rearranged for strings, organ and percussion. this latest project was recorded with Franck dematteis of the Paris opera orchestra, who is credited as first arranger. However the chemistry worked the end result is simply astounding. Especially in "A girl called harmony" and "I am", the orchestral remixes capture the full body of the original work, while at the same time expressing a more harmonic depth and richness of tone. In "Fate is smiling", the dramatic texturing and percussion are breathtaking and nearly overpowering at times. "Etude" is indeed a marvellous undertaking."

Xian