Permutation
Amon Tobin
1998
Why This Album Matters
Permutation, released in 1998, represents a fundamental landmark in the discography of Amon Tobin, a Brazilian producer who, although born in Brazil, consolidated his career on the global electronic music scene. It is crucial to note that, despite his origin, Tobin's work deviates from the traditional sounds of Música Popular Brasileira (MPB), delving deeply into the realms of drum and bass, trip hop, and experimental IDM, genres he helped redefine with his innovative approach. This album is a dense and atmospheric sonic exploration, characterised by intricate beats, rich sound textures, and a sophisticated use of samples, elements that became Tobin's signature. Permutation solidified his reputation as one of the most visionary sonic architects of his generation, creating auditory landscapes that are at once enigmatic, rhythmic, and deeply immersive. The work transcends genre barriers, blending jazz, funk, hip-hop, and Latin percussion with cutting-edge electronic techniques, resulting in a unique and ethereal sonic collage.
Context
Before Permutation, Amon Tobin had already established a solid foundation with his work under the pseudonym Cujo and, more notably, with the 1997 album Bricolage, which was widely considered an aesthetic manifesto in its sample-based collage approach. His signing with the prestigious label Ninja Tune, known for being a cradle of experimental electronic music, boosted his profile, paving the way for Permutation. The mid to late 90s period was effervescent for electronic music, with artists seeking to expand the boundaries of production and composition, and Tobin was at the forefront of this movement.
Recording
The production of Permutation was meticulous, reflecting Amon Tobin's dedication to the art of sampling and sound synthesis. The album was released by Ninja Tune, a label synonymous with innovation in electronic music. Tobin is known for his ability to manipulate instrument timbres, creating new sounds and weaving them into an organic flow. His technique involved the careful assembly and distortion of excerpts from big band records, transforming them into a complex tapestry of beats and melodies that resembled a "Sistine Chapel of beat-based music." Kevin Foakes, under the pseudonym Openmind, was responsible for the photography and the album packaging design, contributing to the visual aesthetic that complements the sonic complexity of the work.
Songs
The compositions on Permutation are notable for their creative and often disturbing use of dialogues and soundtrack excerpts. Tracks such as "Like Regular Chickens" and "People Like Frank" exemplify this approach, incorporating dialogues from David Lynch's films Eraserhead (1977) and Blue Velvet (1986), respectively. "People Like Frank" goes further, also sampling parts of the Blue Velvet soundtrack, composed by Angelo Badalamenti. These cinematic elements add a layer of narrative and a peculiar atmosphere to Tobin's already intricate soundscapes. The album features a fusion of complex drum and bass rhythms with jazzy samples and exotic, mysterious melodies, as demonstrated on tracks like "Bridge" and "Nightlife", which are often cited as examples of the album's genius. The sound is cohesive, yet never repetitive, keeping the listener engaged with its hypnotic and experimental nature.
Legacy
Permutation played a crucial role in the continued ascent of Amon Tobin's profile on the global electronic music scene. The album was widely acclaimed by critics, solidifying his position as a genre innovator and a master of sonic collage art. The positive reception of the release propelled Tobin to perform at prestigious festivals and venues, such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Knitting Factory, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival, significantly expanding his audience and influence. Considered a "classic" and a "landmark" of 90s trip hop and drum and bass, Permutation inspired many artists and critics, being described as an accessible album despite its complexity, capable of captivating both long-time fans and new listeners. Tobin's ability to create sophisticated and fluid sonic puzzles on this album continues to be referenced as a highlight in his discography and in the history of experimental electronic music.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Amon Tobin
Openmind
Videos
Amon Tobin - Permutation (Album Review)
The Wonky Angle
Analyses
Permutation – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Album: Permutation. Artist/Band: Amon Tobin. Year: 1998.
staimusic.com
Review "Permutation" is a testament to Amon Tobin's artistic vision, combining a myriad of influences into a cohesive soundscape. The album's tracks are rich with texture, often vacillating between frenetic beats and serene passages. Tobin's mastery of sampling shines through, as he deftly stitches together disparate sounds into a harmonious whole.
Amon Tobin - Permutation [Vinyl LP & Review] | Ghetto:Orion
ghetto-orion.com
A standout feature of Permutation is Tobin's homage to the films of David Lynch. With tracks like 'Like Regular Chickens' and 'People Like Frank,' which quote dialogue from Lynch's masterpieces Blue Velvet and Eraserhead, the album pays tribute to the acclaimed director's unique vision.
Música Estranha e Boa: Artista: Amon Tobin; Álbum: Permutation
musicaestranhaeboa.blogspot.com
A faixa que encerra o álbum é a relaxanteNova. Aqui sim podemos notar a influência da música brasileira no rapaz - afinal, a bossa nova nada mais é que o jazz com uma pitada de tempero brazuca.
Discogs
Permutation – Discogs
discogs.com