Otomo Yoshihide / Yuen Chee Wai / Ryu Hankil / Yan Jun

Making a case for Pan-Asian inspiration via electronically directed improvisations is the Fen quartet. Formed a dozen years ago, FEN or Far East Network brings together the sound conceptions and cerebral processes of Singapore-based Yuen Chee Wai, who plays guitar and electronics; Japanese guitarist Otomo Yoshihide; South Korea’s Ryu Hankil, who specializes in programming using Max/MSP; and China’s Yan Jun, who concentrates on electronics.

Reflecting its title, No One’s Island makes a logical case for the advantages of group-improvisations and the versatility of electronic programming. But the interface is abstract enough so that the focus is on experimental techniques, not the tensions involved in day-to-day Asian life, despite what the players may think they portray.

In fact until the second part of the program, encompassing “Its Own Flag” and “For Entirely No One”, the sonic real estate is mostly occupied by machine-like drones, watery vibrations and unformed crackles and pops. Finally firmly shaped guitar chords from Yoshihide, who regularly collaborates with Western players such as Roger Turner and ROVA, make an impression, especially on the first tune when it’s affiliated with duck-like quacks, computer feedback and metallic screeching. As the signal processed ringing becomes more prominent at that point, and on the subsequent tracks, the formerly overly cramped narrative loosens somewhat. Vibrating between the ying and yang of almost deafening arena Rock-like guitar distortions and shō-like flutters mixed with understated synthesized hisses, the improvised combination finally opts for nearly limitless friction burbling across the sound field.

With all four tones combined as if part of a motor running down on the concluding “Letting the Map Go”, this non-nationalist affirmation finally dissolves into ghostly echoes thick guitar string licks, shamanistic cries, bell-peaking and processed buzzes. Like the present political situation, cross-Asian cohesion is at a premium in a work such as this. Instead concentrating on how the four turned abstract sound constraints into a constantly evolving vibrant whole will provide a more gratifying experience.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Marooned 2. The Island Within 3. Islands As Sea, Seabass As Sea 4. Its Own Flag 5. For Entirely No One 6. Naked Island, Naked Tortoise 7. Letting the Map Go

Personnel: Otomo Yoshihide (guitar); Yuen Chee Wai (guitar and electronics); Ryu Hankil (max/msp) and Yan Jun (electronics)