Ambient Ping: The London Apartments

Despite the pretentious name, The Ambient Ping are simply a group of like minded people with a strong affinity for "chillout, soundscape and experimental music". Every first Tuesday of the month sees them team up with Canadian Indie label Worthy Records to showcase their eclectic artists. And tonight it's the turn of post rock 3 piece outfit The London Apartments to take to the stage.

When they do, we aren't given much in the way of a catchy tune to hum. What we are given is a relentless dose of ominous, swirling feedback, alongside the occasional glitch, pop and synthesizer stab. The music fluctuates unpredictably between sparse, wailing drones to layer upon layer of chaotic, apocalyptic sound. There is the occasional hint of a melody but it's a disorganised, fragmented one at best. It's a mistake though to attempt to find repetitious sequences or to split this music into separate parts; what's being presented here is an unstructured, timeless wall of unpredictable noise and that just is its point. Like the crashing waves projected onto the screens behind the band, the music is a chaotic mess; but there's often something peaceful and appealing to be found in chaotic mess.

Unfortunately the set ends disappointingly, simply petering out rather lamely. It's a shame because it had been an enjoyable blast of experimental tones up until that point. But this was an interesting, thought provoking set for the most part, though in truth, The London Apartments don't really bring anything new to the abundance of Canadian post-rock/noise groups who've already established themselves.

The Ambient Ping put on a gig every Tuesday at Hacienda, 794 Bathurst Street (Bathurst and Bloor). Check http://www.theambientping.com to see the forthcoming lineups they have in store.

See http://www.worthyrecords.com if you'd like more information on The London Apartments or other artists signed to Worthy Records.