Succinct detail is at the heart of this three-tracker. Wide sonic expanses are the workshop where sounds are painstakingly selected before being moulded and shaped, each being transformed with a musical craftsman’s attention and care.
Heaves of bass break through the textures and tones
There are few musicians who have had a career like Steven Rutter. A founding father of British techno, Rutter pioneered the burgeoning sound of IDM with Matt Golding, the pair releasing together on their own B12 label with their combined works being a pillar of Warp Records’ Artificial Intelligence series. In recent years, Rutter has returned to his machines. Founding FireScope Records, this stalwart of electronics has rekindled his craft and discovered new avenues. All too aware of this activity, this productivity, De:tuned Records have drafted in this sonic sculptor for Close Your Eyes And Breathe.
Low dusty kicks introduce “O.L.F. ResPekt,” sweepings keys ushering in a broader range of drums. Shapeshifting notes follow, contracting and dilating as room-filling bass descends. A wide range of elements coalesce, varied percussive patterns and tinkling wistful melodies, that somehow come together under Rutter’s hand. Structures are laid bare in the minimal beauty of “Rewind 273.” Timid snares hide behind a warm backdrop of strings, satellite-like bleeps bob and bulge orbit globules of bass as echoes of early B12 productions coming to the fore. “Incredible” occupies the flip side. Rhythms are once again understated, clipped hi-hats and subtle kicks proving a fertile base for an ascending line. Beats are bolstered as the track develops, heaves of bass breaking through the textures and tones created.
Steven Rutter is an artist who pushes the boundaries of electronic music throughout his career. Close Your Eyes And Breathe is no exception. Succinct detail is at the heart of this three-tracker. Wide sonic expanses are the workshop where sounds are painstakingly selected before being moulded and shaped, each being transformed with a musical craftsman’s attention and care.
Close Your Eyes And Breathe is available on De:Tuned. [Soundcloud]
