Ergo Phizmiz - Selected Ambient and ASMR Works 2001-2003

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 17 / 4 / 2025

Ergo Phizmiz - Selected Ambient and ASMR Works 2001-2003

Label: Discrepant
Format: LP

Excellent compilation which collects together the early adventures of UK sound artist Ergo Phizmiz

Review

When the internet was a fun place to explore for experimental music, Ergo Phizmiz was the busiest sound artist spinning the (early days) web. Wrapped in a wonderful sleeve collage by label owner Gonçalo F Cardoso, ‘Selected Ambient & ASMR Works 2001-2003’, a nod to the Aphex Twin album, is an excellent compilation. Filled with MP3 memorabilia, the tracklist include songs Phizmiz had to take offline. Certain publishers felt he was violating Missy Elliott's ‘Get Ur Freak On’ and listening in close, you can recognize seven seconds of the sample, that in her turn, was actually used by her. ‘Thou shalt not steal stolen goods’ is often the motive behind such a copyright case when it comes to court. While Phizmiz’s R&B collection twenty years ago was jokily titled ‘Arff and Beef’, this LP concentrates firmly the art. Twelve untitled tracks, they feature collages with just one common denominator; you can't whistle them, or wiggle to them. There is plenty that inspires tingling though, rich sound pastures incorporating Gamelan music, decaying electronic gadgets, cowbells and passing freight trains. A great adventure for a sonic detective, the tracks twist and reassemble until they becomes musique concrete of a new dimension.

Track Listing:-

1 5min29secs
2 5min26secs
3 4min19secs
4 3min04secs
5 2min58secs
6 2min36secs
7 3min42secs
8 2min50secs
9 2min30secs
10 1min55secs
11 2min99secs
12 3min22secs