This is the second solo outing from Labradford's Mark Nelson under the Pan-American moniker. While Labradford is firmly identified with the drone-rock and postrock aesthetics, Pan-American appears to be his vehicle for exploring a fascination with the experimental electronic music associated with Berlin's Chain Reaction label, specifically the groups Monolake and Porter Ricks. Nelson shares their approach to creating a rhythmic backbone; instead of booming, breakbeat drum-machine patterns, each pearl of a song accretes around a starkly simple pulse that's not too many evolutionary steps beyond the click of a scratched vinyl record as it rotates. Nelson layers equally minimalist electronics on top, and the record's most singular element is the muted but insistent cornet of Rob Masurek. Masurek, on loan from the Chicago Underground Duo and Him (among others), is featured throughout the two longest tracks. Another intriguing guest spot is occupied by Al Sparhawk and Mimi Parker of the group Low, who contribute the almost incongruous vocals. --Bob Bannister
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