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Virtual state

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Virtual State is a significant electronic music album by Richard H. Kirk. It marks his first solo release under the Warp Records label. The album is recognized for its unique blend of electronic sounds. It explores themes related to technology and the concept of reality. Many listeners and critics view the work as a major contribution to electronic music. The album captures a specific moment in the history of the genre.

Richard H. Kirk was responsible for every sound heard on the record. He is credited with playing all instruments used during the production. This means Kirk handled the entire musical arrangement himself. He created the melodies, the rhythms, and the textures. This solo approach allowed him to maintain complete creative control. The result is a cohesive listening experience shaped by a single artist.

The album is composed of ten distinct musical tracks. These tracks vary greatly in their length and structure. Some pieces are relatively short, while others are very expansive. For example, the track "November X Ray Mexico" lasts for 8 minutes and 33 seconds. Another song, "Frequency Band," has a duration of 6 minutes and 26 seconds. The track "Come" runs for 8 minutes and 2 seconds. "Freezone" follows with a length of 6 minutes and 52 seconds. "Clandestine Transmission" lasts 6 minutes and 36 seconds. "The Feeling (Of Warmth and Beauty)" is 6 minutes and 8 seconds long. "Velodrome" lasts 6 minutes and 56 seconds. "Soul Catcher" has a duration of 7 minutes and 8 seconds. "Worldwar Three" is 5 minutes and 52 seconds. Finally, the track "Lagoon West" is the longest at 12 minutes.

Critical reception for Virtual State was largely positive. Music Technology magazine provided a thoughtful review of the work. They noted a "dancey element" within the music. However, they described this as a nod toward progress rather than simple dance music. This suggests the album moves beyond basic rhythms. The magazine viewed Kirk as an "old master" contributing to the evolution of the genre.

Other critics found deeper connections between the music and specific cultural movements. A reviewer for XLR8R described the album as "state of the art trance." Trance is a style of electronic dance music characterized by repetitive rhythms. The reviewer also linked the album to the emerging cyberpunk genre. Cyberpunk often explores high technology and its impact on society. The review suggested the album serves as a tribute to Bruce Sterling. Sterling is a notable figure in the cyberpunk movement.

The title of the album reflects Kirk's personal views on technology. He expressed concerns regarding the rapid growth of virtual reality. Kirk shared a specific fear in an interview with Mondo 2000. He described a nightmare involving a headset. In this dream, he was unable to remove the headset from his head. He stated a desire not to live in a world that is not real. He felt that the concept of virtual reality was becoming "out of hand." This tension between the real and the virtual inspired the name Virtual State.

Virtual State remains an important piece of the Warp Records catalog. It connects electronic music to literary themes like cyberpunk. The album demonstrates how a single musician can build a complex sonic world. By using various instruments and long track durations, Kirk created a detailed atmosphere. The work sits at the intersection of dance music and conceptual art. It continues to be studied by those interested in the history of electronic music.

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