Main - Hydra-Calm (1991/1992)

 This is a collection of two independently released 12-inch EPs Hydra (1991) and Calm (1992). Together they represent the debut of Robert Hampson’s post-Loop project, Main. Initially started with fellow Loop guitarist Scott Dowson, early Main began a process of musical deconstruction. Early main sounds like an ambient, drone version of Loop as the duo experiment with uses of flangers and phasers to create a distinctive, bass-heavy sound that leans into elegant dislocation. Fantastic active listening music… has a unique tension and metallic coldness, but in a way that is deeply engaging. Strongly recommend

Original UK pressings from 1991-92, respectively, both on the Situation Two label. Calm was released with a clear sleeve so that the purchaser could store both EPs together. The CD version collects the two releases on a single disc titled Hydra-Calm, and adds a killer bonus track “Thirst”. The CD is also much easier to find as these 12-inch copies took some work. Eventually got them through Discogs, with Hydra coming from Australia and Calm from the UK. Was a slog. 

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