by Rick Anderson
Whether he's producing under his own name or recording as Wabi Sabi, Sator Rotas, Corvette, or Pluramon, there's never any telling what direction German electronica artist Marcus Schmickler will take next. His fourth album under the Pluramon name is a rather subdued affair overall, one which features vocal performances and lyrics by Julee Cruise (whom 30-somethings will recognize as an actress from the TV show Twin Peaks, and the architect of much of that show's soundtrack music). Cruise's trademark dreamy ambience is very much in control here, though Schickler does keep things nicely messed up with the occasional hint of garage rock ("Hello Shadow"), junky drum'n'bass ("Noise Academy"), and pseudo-found-sound weirdness ("Difference Machine"). Even at its most quirky, though, this is music that will bemuse you more than irritate, or even surprise you. It is also not terribly likely to entrance you, though most of these songs do reward as much attention as you feel inclined to pay them.