Incredible '84 masterstroke from Robert Cox (of Rimarimba fame) with 'Sync Or Swim' self-released via his own Unlikely Recordings imprint as The Same. Nestled by the English seaside in Suffolk, Cox was responsible for a number of releases (mainly through his Rimarimba guise) that crafted up a completely unique, complex yet playful, utterly enchanting sound-world through heavy use of repetition, prime-number sequencing and endless overdubbing, pursued with an unwavering DIY approach. Here follows a similar aesthetic, with percussive onslaughts and mind-boggling, rhythmic sequences enriched with shimmering guitar work that joins the dots between Robert Fripp and Manuel Gottsching. Yet nothing can prepare for the B-side epic 'E Scapes', a meandering 20+ minute sonic odyssey of deft sting interplay that beguiles and completely transcends my mere attempt to describe its brilliance with words. With the original LP near enough IMPOSSIBLE to obtain now, this humble, reasonably cassette represents the best route to owning a copy of this brilliance. Highest recommends!
