FAH has taken Braindance and rewired it to his musical machinery—communicating his eclectic ideas through a cacophony of computer sounds, contrasting rhythms and clever analogue chords.
[Release page] Braindance was the tag adopted by Rephlex to describe its musical output. This silly genre title was an obvious take on IDM, but Rephlex did bolster a distinctive sound. A rich and textured synthesizer sound, one with acid influences, computer game inspirations and a melodic quality, was what Braindance was all about. Some of the output had a more electro quality, such as D’Arcangelo, whilst others, such as Kosmik Kommando, were more of the Techno persuasion. Bleepy, diverse and often epic, this Braindance sound inspired a new order of electronic musicians and labels. The Netherlands’ 030303 imprint has sprouted from the Braindance bud, with past releases coming from Rephlex veterans. The Dutch imprint is unearthing some new homegrown talent: FAH debuting on vinyl (digital also available) with Galaxy Gust.
FAH, aka Robin De Bekker, gets the ball rolling with “Fine Space,” a twanging piece of modern electronics. Machine melodies soar and descend with 90s Cornwall pastiche. The BPM and energy rises for “Bonus Orbits.” FAH courses with an Aphex Twin playfulness. Chords sidestep one another and elbow past like school children charging down a corridor. Beats across the album may hit some of the higher per minutes, but their steadiness tethers FAH to the electro tradition. The title track throws up organ harmonies with counter compositions jockeying for position. Definite comparisons of FAH come from fellow 030303 man EOD or Lunar Disko’s Automatic Tasty. The finale, “Sad Acid”, is a slo-fi piece of stretched Roland sounds. Jazzy in parts and churlish in finish.
Richard D. James has been influencing electronic music for more than twenty years. In recent years his output has ebbed, but his beat blipped and Analord acid sounds are found in FAH’s Galaxy Gust. However, Mr Bekker is no carbon copy. The Netherlander has taken Braindance and rewired it to his musical machinery—communicating his eclectic ideas through a cacophony of computer sounds, contrasting rhythms and clever analogue chords. A refreshing sound in an age where the needs of the dancefloor often outweigh the needs of diversity.
Galaxy Gust is available on 030303. [Release page | Buy at Clone]
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