Sturqen :: Cura (Kvitnu)

Exploring an inner violence, Sturqen have inadvertently created a fluid audio distraction of raw industrial soundscapes.

As Cura (Cure in English) suggests treatment or restoration of a sick organism, Porto Portugal-based Sturqen (aka David Arantes, César Rodrigues) are a prolific duo that continue to rattle exp-electronics and modular soundscapes. How they intend to organize and explore this inner chaos is deployed carefully on Cura, their latest for Ukrainian-based Kvitnu.

Usually content with expanding mechanically controlled post-industrial machines, Cura veers into a light versus dark dynamic. Take the synthesized hypnotic ebb and flow found on “Fobos,” a relaxing sojourn through analog bleeps. “Cavani” and “Navegador” dive head-first into an abyss as ominous tones flicker in minimal formation. “Ptomains” delivers squelchy acidic tweaks and a lightened beat. Old synthesizers are lit on “Ghilas,” a smorgasbord of electrical drones and screeching noise—it unfolds carefully as if guided by an unknown propulsion system. Industrial is not dead on “Systema” as a cavernous echo glides across expansive spaces. The heavyweight tracks—opening “Coronel,” middle “Passaros” and closing “Asteroide”—are clear aggressive workouts. Hard-edged distortion and constrained percussion busts through the metal stud walls of abandoned warehouses on these three pieces alone. A more subdued power electronics theme resonates from Cura, one that is both contagious and complex.

Exploring an inner violence, Sturqen have inadvertently created a fluid audio distraction of raw industrial soundscapes.

Cura is available on Kvitnu.