Age of Insects is all harsh static whirrs, guttural bass croaks and phased white noise, the imaginary calls and conversations of extinct insects created via electro-acoustic improvisation. In crafting these sounds, the collaboratorsthreaded the concept through a backdrop of drone and minimal ambient. In fact, the album's affiliation with its concept rises more out of its production than the timbre of the sounds themselves. Age of Insects feelswarm and organic, as though grantinginsight into the meticulous scientific processesbehind this insect resurrection, incorporating the hum of standby machineryand the throb of harsh laboratory lights. While a more explicit exploration of its concept may have encouraged a more inventive use of sound experimentation, Age of Insects could have easily descended into a tiresome gimmick. The artists were wise enough tostick to their strengths, and this album has fared better for it.

-Jack Chuter