Alva Noto + Opiate: _Opto Files Alva Noto + Opiate: _Opto Files (Raster-Noton - 2001) Packed in a cool "static shielding" bag, Alva Noto + Opiate's collaborations are not something you need to be cautious about... stick it in your ear! The four _Opto Files are firmly entrenched in the glitchtronic end of the spectrum, yet contain a pleasant amount of almost-musicality. Warm tones ooze gently through opto file 1, bespeckled with static bits and entrancingly light rhythms... simultaneously pretty, ephemeral and crunchy. A trepidatious air is alive with buzzily insectile occurences as droning musical currents drift across the expanse of opto file 2 (17:40); the ringing, wafting, clicking and thumping vary little during its course, though the resultant groove is fine indeed. Scritchy organic patterns abrade the spacious rise and fall of opto file 3 where sputtering percussion occasionally flares up. Faint drones seep into opto file 4 (2:34), where in their brief lifespan, they are spattered with intermittent flecks and spaciously rippling low notes. I'm quite taken with the _Opto Files' blend of blur and grit. Alva Noto + Opiate = more than 33 minutes of tastefully textured abstract music which receive an 8.9 of appreciation; my only complaint is that of wanting more. Raster-Noton discs are found amongst Dutch East's multitudinous offerings. This review posted August 31, 2001 AmbiEntrance © 2001-1997 by David J Opdyke (except CD cover art, rights retained by original owners).