Big, big sound

>> [The User] reflect on a season of Silophonics

by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

In the year since local experimental duo [The User] introduced their Silophone project--using an imposing, abandoned grain storage facility at the Old Port as a vast acoustic chamber--they've played host to Japanese noisemeisters, a Dutch glossolalist, a theremin sextet and many others, each using the Silophone as a monstrous natural amplifier (later broadcast and soon to be committed to CD). In the time elapsed, [The User] have learned a lot about the beast they birthed.

"The project is now entirely different from what we originally proposed," says [The User]'s Thomas McIntosh, "but that's to be expected. When one puts a proposition forward, it's not a fait accompli, otherwise it wouldn't be worth doing."

One very obvious happy surprise is the success of the attendant Web site, www.silophone.net. In fact, though, the way they approach the physical space itself has evolved. "At the beginning, if you wanted to go down inside, you had to use climbing equipment--which kinda put off a few people," McIntosh laughs.

"It's an amazing space, reminding me of the final scene in Brazil. A terrifying scene, but it's the other extreme. There's many ways to view the space, but our particular view is that it's an industrial temple, because the acoustics inspire a quasi-religious awe. The 22-second reverb is just so overwhelming."

Aesthetics aside, there's substantial sociopolitical ramifications to their activities, a plea for patience and forethought in a community's consideration of its eyesores/monuments. "There's two sides to the project. One, the musical side, the investigation of the sonic space inside the building. But then there's the subtext, the value of the building to Montrealers. That's the important part, before the expansion of Montreal just bulldozes it. I live in Old Montreal, and you can see that on a daily basis.

"We regard the project as having been a virtual occupation. In people's perception, it's moved from an empty space to knock down and covert into condos to the world's largest musical instrument, and it's in Montreal. The subtext of the whole thing is to stimulate discussion that will result in something interesting happening with the building--not demolition and not condos."

[The User], Aube, Steve Heimbecker and Jean-François Laporte close the first season at the base of the Silophone (in the Old Port) on Saturday, June 16, 7:30pm, $15