All That Makes Us Human
What first tipped me off that This Binary Universe was an unusual find in the NewMusicBox mailbag was that the CD had a trailer (you can watch it here). Composer Brian Transeau, known now by just the initials, has a resume that sports a long list of film scores, club mixes, and video game work, and the influence is clear in this music. Much of the project seems to be collaging various aspects of modern culture—from bits of standard jazz and radio rock to the world electronic music they pipe into hair salons and Pier 1 emporiums. The opening track is more of a bliss out venture, going easy on the electronic glitches in favor of echo-y guitar loops, tinkly percussion, and breathy sonic overlays.
—MS