Richard Bailey, a fully fledged electronic music engineer crafted his debut release with Hydrant Records in 1999 with a full length called Burn Plate No.1. Shortly after its initial release, Rick signed to Merck Records (Negativ in 2001) and n5MD (Among Others, late 2001) as well as other internationally based labels.
With his recent signing to n5MD, Proem’s work becomes fully solidified. A concentration on sharp magnetic beats punch at your ears with simplicity while shards of electronic tweaks dance around synthetic rhythms. A darker element is evident on Proem’s latest release with n5MD called Among Others.
With some of the quirkiest (or perhaps simply strange) track titles including “Luke Warm Bath With Rubberkitty”, “Slow Nods and Slippers” and “We are Going to Let you Go”.. it’s a good sign that Proem decided to use vowels in his track titles unlike (many) other experimental electricians who get lost in the letters vs numbers theory. The opening track, aptly titled “001” casually sweeps the listener by the feet and lifts you into space with its delicate chords, swooping piano rhythms and soft atmospheres of beauty.
Much of this album could just as well have been released on Skam or Warp for the sheer quality and production alone. It’s when beats are able to shift from one direction to the other without hesitation that you can feel Proem’s work the most. Electrical debris that speaks to your brain. Digital slices of rhythm that crash into your body. With n5MD’s aim at bringing quality electronics to each listener, Proem is no stranger to this effect and does it quite well with his latest offering. Overall, Proem is set on “n5stun”.. with his latest output focused on sharp, precise and emotive electronics its no doubt that Among Others will be rated high on the Top 10 lists for 2002. Among Others is sure to bring Richard Bailey the recognition he’s deserved all these years.
