[c:s] 104 / Alex Tyson – Split
3.27.15 by Mike Haley

This Exo split is a hybrid strain for sure, with [c:s] 104 providing the indica traits and Alex Tyson going sativa style. Sort of ironic that the original issuing of the Alex Tyson material here was a plantable card, don’t ya think? I wouldn’t suggest burying this version in the soil, though. You wouldn’t wanna get worm goo and dirt smudges all over the impressive layout, which includes a way dope, hand numbered label hugging the top half of the shell. A Super nice detail.

My team of researchers informs me that [c:s] 104 is the project of one Francesco De Gallo, known throughout the land for his work as Hobo Cubes, Ala Vjiior, Dozens (with Ryan Connolly), and many other names. “Somnus / Nucleus” is a nearly 15 minute piece where cavernous drones are drug through a shag carpet. Some sounds get snagged in the fibrous loops and fade into obscurity, others loosen up random bits that have been tangled deep down for a while, like a mush of unintelligible spoken word or flecks of electronic pops. De Gallo keeps the scene extremely restrained and chill on his side.

Alex Tyson treks in a totally different direction with his seven tracks, originally released digitally by Data Garden (mentioned above). Making fine use of an interesting assortment of gear that includes a Commodore 64c PC, photo-chemicals, a fog dispenser, Moog synthesizers, snow, and a water damaged Kent Rhythm Box, Tyson mingles his way through a full bodied spectrum of audio eccentricities. Each of his one to three minute tracks puts it’s peculiar mannerisms on full display. A tumble of computer start up sounds, steamy guitars, cartoonish plops. All highlighted and living in coexistence with kraut and jazz vibes. Do you like Herbie Hancock? Do you like the Muppet Babies? You’ll like Alex Tyson.

This split C30 is limited to 50 copies, and sold out from Exo Tapes, but you can try your luck with the usual suspects. Last I checked, Meditations had copies in stock. Maybe they still do? Good luck, everybody!