** Gus Gus

POLYDISTORTION

(4AD)

Like a growing number of artists emerging in the brave new world of abundant samples, easily programmed sequencers, and non-narrative song forms, Iceland's Gus Gus aren't so much a band as a collective with a taste for cinematic soundscapes and atmospheric cold fusions of funk and dream pop. In fact, the group's musical endeavors evolved out of collaborative filmmaking projects. (Gus Gus count three filmmakers, an actor, and two actresses in their line-up, leaving only two guys who list "musician" as their primary occupation.) Not that being a musician has ever been a prerequisite for playing music.

On Polydistortion, the group's debut, eerie, icy textures dominate the cool, sensual mix of dance beats, flowing synths, and distant vocals. This is the softer side of electronica, miles from the aggro assaults of the Nine Inch Nails crowd or the cluttered cut-and-paste jobs of DJs like Shadow and the Ninja Tune folks. Occasionally it's a little too softly soporific, like the Cocteau Twins at their dreamiest without the gorgeous, spiraling vocals, or an abstract soundtrack without the film. But you gotta love the logic of a band from Iceland making music to chill out to.

-- Matt Ashare

(Gus Gus headline Axis tonight, July 24, with openers Lamb; call 262-2437 for information and 931-2000 for tickets.)