AMN Reviews: The Archives Assistant – Television Road (Hyster Tapes)

The Archives Assistant is Jordan Cook from Peterborough, Ontario and his album Television Road is the first release issued on compact disc by Finnish label Hyster Tapes. He comes by his professional title honestly, having helped a local radio station cull its library of vinyl and in the process, discovering rare and unheard sounds from the past. “Every record gave me an idea,” he writes, and some of those ideas are pleasingly realized on Television Road. 

Though he doesn’t mention the word, Cook might be considered a Canadian avatar of hauntology – think Moon Wiring Club or Belbury Poly, The Focus Group and a host of British artists on the Ghost Box label. He crafts his unique bricolage with admirable patience, letting the work evolve smoothly, without jagged edges or smash cuts. 

“Libra,” the opening track, is eighteen minutes of undulating electronica with such a mesmerizing effect that only judiciously appliquéd found sound and rhythms cause the listener to stir from his reverie. The hypnotic effect continues into “All-Terra,” a spectral take on house music that, like most of the pieces on Television Road, morphs into something else altogether. “Peach” has an infectious African vibe that turns itself inside-out and then scurries off. The final piece is twelve minutes of resplendently manipulated piano and wordless female vocalizations wallowing in thick, gooey dub, which are unfortunately assailed by sporadic beat attacks midway through. Perhaps that’s why it’s called “Bad News.” 

A minor niggle based on personal preference. As a whole, Television Road is an album whose distinct vision and steady handiwork offer a generous hour of invention.

Stephen Fruitman