Tiny Creature

Recording information: Venus (05/2010-09/2010).
Artistically, Cex's Rjyan Kidwell has switched styles several times in his career, but he eventually settled into something more undefinable, coined by some as electro-prog. Tiny Creature has proggy and electro elements -- as long, fractured, synthesized pieces in odd time signatures -- but ambience is the biggest ingredient this time. As a digital opera of sorts, Brian Eno's influence is felt, of course, but Kidwell also structures his pieces like avant-garde classical composers would, emphasizing stark space in his disjointed movements. Without sturdy backbeats, the music is more uncompromising than usual, especially in the album's 20-minute centerpiece "Critterpated," which is embodied by cold, orchestra-patch synth swells and nothing more. Elsewhere, blippy IDM and brittle, scratchy keys fill the patchwork of "Secret Monog" and "Trumpetflower." If you're looking to shake speakers, Tiny Creature isn't the album for you. The beats aren't easy, and even though Cex comes from the bassy Baltimore scene, much of the album sits in a very high frequency, making for a thin, tense atmosphere. It's opaque, and difficult, for sure, but, then again, Kidwell's music is rarely conventional. ~ Jason Lymangrover