Dance With Iran

One important aspect of Belgian electronic/industrial label Sub Rosa has been its dedication to anthologizing the sonic traditions of the world. Their new double disc collection — Persian Electronic Music 1966-2006 — is one of the most fascinating releases in the label’s 20-year history. This set sheds light on 40 years of electronic experimentation in a country with deep and ancient artistic traditions. The two composers profiled in this set, Alireza Mahayekhi and Ata Ebtekar (aka SOTE), both employ the characteristic microtonal quarter steps between notes of Persian scales. Their compositions feature deconstructed Persian musical conventions expressed with pure electronic synthesis and treated instruments. The results are rich musique concrete-inspired soundscapes with harmonies and progressions that slip back and forth from Iran to the stratosphere. Beautiful stuff with thought-provoking liner notes.