Experimental Audio Research sounds like the inside of a massive, slowly cooling machine. It is music that prioritizes the physical sensation of sound over melody or rhythm, favoring long, undulating tones and the unpredictable behavior of analog oscillators. There is a weight to the sound, a sense of being submerged in a warm, slightly murky pool of electricity where every crackle and hum feels intentional yet organic.
What makes the project truly distinctive is its lineage. Led by Sonic Boom, it bridges the gap between the psychedelic minimalism of Spacemen 3 and the rigorous academic traditions of musique concrète. By bringing together masters of free improvisation and shoegaze, the collective creates a space where noise becomes meditative and silence feels heavy. It is less about 'songs' and more about the architecture of a specific moment in time.
Start with 'Beyond the Pale' to experience the project at its most collaborative and expansive. It serves as a perfect gateway into their world, showcasing how they can turn a simple drone into a vast, cinematic landscape. If you prefer something more rhythmic and glitchy, 'Data Rape' offers a fascinating look at their more abrasive, process-oriented side.
Experimental Audio Research (commonly shortened to E.A.R. or EAR) is an experimental music collective formed around Peter Kember (a.k.a. Sonic Boom), formerly of Spacemen 3. While Spacemen 3 were a relatively traditional rock and roll band with strong experimental leanings, E.A.R. is essentially a free improvisation project, creating instrumental music characterized by lengthy, droning textures and slowly evolving structures. The line-up often included Sonic Boom (Spectrum, Spacemen 3), Kevin Martin (God), Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine), and Eddie Prévost (AMM). Past collaborators include Lawrence Chandler of Bowery Electric, Nick Kramer, Delia Derbyshire and Thomas Köner, plus various members of Spectrum, though it is generally considered a Kember solo project. The collective is one of Kember's several post-Spacemen 3 projects, which also include Spectrum, as well albums released under the Sonic Boom moniker.
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