Some of the digitally complex tracks on this sampler include Decomposure’s “Skytrain:” Activating the future sound of transportation with enormous effect, the atmospheric construction yields what could very well be a metallic craft headed into the Decomposure Universe of found-sound reciprocation. Ochre’s “REM Sleep Research” is a sparkling entity in itself; its penchant melodies simply can’t be ignored; the relaxed electrical landscape of precision beats and polished flow represent the beauty of Sample + Hold as it expands from one genre to another. Doofgoblin’s reversed frequency tones on “Alldeigh” acts as a textured fabric of digital debris bridging the gap between A Bit Crusher’s frenetic Aphex Twin influenced beats on “Less is More, More or Less,” and 1st Class Lounge’s “Washed Out” closure.
Not forgetting the introspectively somber mood of “Late Evening Thought” by Multi-Panel, this song displays yet another wrinkle in the spectrum of Unschooled Records’ selective blanket of relaxed sounds. Multi-Panels upcoming (debut) album, Alone in the Field, offers a distinctive lyrical resonance that is sincere, reflective and emotional; traits easily found in “Late Evening Thought.”
It would be difficult not to mention the darkness revealed on this disc in the form of post-industrial flashes through the past and present. Plan 29’s “Reptile” slithers its way across a faded landscape filled with subtle whispers, drenched synthesizers and corrupt mechanical screeches. The closing track by 1st Class Lounge (“Washed Out”) is just what it describes; a washed out 5-minute electrical rain forest of industrialized percussion spread across a palette of rhythmic tweaks and heavy hitting beats.
Stepping back to the introductory “Aftur” by Plat, Sample + Hold opens with what could easily be classified as downtempo hip-hop jazz morphed into a relaxed, funky space; full of gently flowing beats, scratches and guitar elements, Plat’s distinctive sound veers in all the right directions. Obliminal’s “RAVI@11” uses a similar aesthetical approach with its downtempo flavor, but instead, manages to unveil an almost alternative rock feeling that ends just when you’re itching to hear more. 30Hz’s “It Hurts Here” contribution points its transistors and retractors in a more traditional/instrumental manner by delivering obscure vocal samples blended with warped, aquatic jazz that is smoother than silk.
Spanning through 46-minutes of digestible nuggets of electronics, Sample + Hold cuts a clean groove through industrial, IDM, jazz, found-sound, and other experiments that rarely stand still before collapsing into a sea of musical bliss. It’s a formula that highlights Unschooled Records’ mission to deliver new musical transmissions without losing sight of quality, persistence and fluidity.
Sample + Hold is OUT NOW on Unschooled Records.
