BEATSEEKING MISSIVES OBELUS BY DAVE SEGAL Goessl and Pessl? Sounds like a merciless law firm, but these gents actually form Seattle experimental electronic outfit Obelus, crucial players in this city's underground scene. Named after a symbol used in ancient manuscripts to mark a defiant or obscure passage, Obelus formed three years ago when Minneapolis transplant Jason Goessl and Seattle native Adam Pessl discovered their mutual interest in electronic/IDM music. They bonded and began creating tracks. Further inspired by musicians and DJs like Lusine, Jerry Abstract, Mr. Projectile, and Adam Linz (AKA DJ Pat Morita), Obelus ambitiously broadened their musical vocabulary. Obelus stand out in Seattle's electronic community for flagrantly using old-school instruments like guitar, bass, and drums in addition to what the musicians call "a matrix of samplers, effects, and sequencers." Employing both analog and digital means in recording and playing live give Obelus an edge (more possible permutations with sound, more flexibility) over artists who exclusively use one domain. "We do feel it is an advantage," admits Pessl, "because it gives us more to work with and allows for constant change. More options for creating sounds keeps our music fresh and in turn keeps us excited about composition. We derive sounds from every imaginable source we can get our hands on." Obelus seek "to bridge the gap" between laptop/DJ aficionados and live-band audiences, Pessl explains. "Obelus' combination of electronic and acoustic instruments can draw in a non-electronic listener (because of the visual aspect of the performance) as well as staying technical enough for the electronic junkie.