There are a few strewn-in vocals, barely discernible but somehow audible, and above all there’s a constant stream of layered digital noise, clanging instruments and signal processing that flickers back and forth leaving the ears in a state of bewilderment.
Without any research or press-release to guide these words, sometimes it’s just appropriate to dive blindly but with ears wide open. Here’s the perfect opportunity for such an endeavor. On Axxonn‘s Beyond Light, a curious foray into drenched electronics is at the forefront, treble set to the highest levels and a cacophony of experimental techno and squelchy acid begins to take shape. There are moments of utter clarity in form and function featured on the opening melodic pulsars of “Sky’s One Kite” to the shadows of industrial-techno on “Dark Cut.” There are a few strewn-in vocals, barely discernible but somehow audible, and above all there’s a constant stream of layered digital noise, clanging instruments and signal processing that flickers back and forth leaving the ears in a state of bewilderment. Trying to find a sense of balance doesn’t come easy on Beyond Light, its compositions scattering like sand in a windstorm. It almost feels like Axxonn’s mission was to simply turn on all the devices, gadgets and gear to let the chaos create its own peculiar structure. As a result we’re left with remnants of acid, techno, noise and digital fluctuations taking center stage. Perhaps best consumed as a post-rave experiment that doesn’t rely on smoothness but rather the grittier elements of Aphex Twin, Fennesz and early Oval, Beyond Light uncannily blends together.
Beyond Light is available on Soniptik.
