Review by Rachel Jablonski
A challenging mesh of guitar sounds and diverse tones, the self-titled effort from The Theory of Abstract Light is anything but straight forward. Conceptual, experimental, and imaginative an enigmatic journey is revealed through complex instrumental semblance. Forcing combinations rather foreign to the desire for harmony driven mind, the layers of sound are often difficult to piece together and ultimately understand allowing for a most interesting listening experience.
Perhaps even more intriguing to me than the sound itself is the questionable purpose and potential ideas presented. With little symphonious sequencing, no rhythmic patterning, and many unusual added effects, much of the sound from The Theory of Abstract Light is considerably irritating. Yearning for familiarity throughout the record, searching for melody, hoping for even momentary harmony purely in vain, I easily become annoyed, frustrated, and anything but relaxed. In fact, I feel as though the sounds drive me to the edge of madness. And yet I’m compelled to continue listening despite feelings of discomfort. Having spent quite some time trying to make sense of the record, I feel as though some dramatic discovery still remains to be seen.
“Self is taught,” for instance, contains a combination of tones most puzzling. Repeated sound comparable to that of a car door that has been left ajar with the keys still in the ignition dominates. The sound shifts in pitch now and again, never ceasing. The presence of a thick static sounding vibrancy also taints the piece along with disturbing falling and rising tones. The mood is dim and presents an inescapable space-age-like feeling. All tracks throughout the record are similar in nature consisting of deep static sounds and intensified noises, as well as distantly fluent guitar. The result is trance producing, but never calming in temperament. The listener seems to always be kept slightly on edge.
With distinct instrumentation and tone illogically, yet purposefully mingled, The Theory of Abstract Light is an unusual experience that will confuse, irritate, and most notably compel any thoughtful listener.