Experimental Electronic Music
Mosaic is yet another valid addition to Fennesz’s already spotless catalog. Among the many ambient records I’ve heard this year, Fennesz thankfully reminds us of what ambient music can be when it is done in an original way, rather than offering the usual pulp of clean synth pads with some string arrangements.
Before the halfway mark, you get some noise that sounds like it’s derived from scraping a metal sheet on the floor, which may sound astoundingly unpleasant when I frame it that way, but becomes much more fitting and digestible when it is so quiet in this piece.
An ethereal ambient record that incorporates live instrumentation as well, more notably in the form of orchestral accompaniments with guitar workouts splattered throughout—and some occasional vocals too.
Atmospheric post-rock guitar and drumming that teeters between jazz and rock combine to form a record that sounds exactly like you would imagine the two to sound like when put together, with good chemistry to make it all work as well as it does.
Twenty years in the making, Lapsus celebrate with this really neat compilation of slick IDM. Not always do various artists compilations have much reason behind them, but they’re always more appreciated than “best hits” or “singles” compilations; VINT, in particular, happens to also have thought behind it, as it’s not just a series of random tracks put together.
Both records express what has been built up to in previous outings from these artists, and they may as well be the culmination for both for now; unless there’s even more coming out this year, at which point I’d have to see which way the wind will be blowing in future releases.
If you’re in the mood for good modern IDM, Feal has got plenty. More specifically, if you want to put on a record and be sure it offers something valuable from start to finish, Feal has also got plenty of that. If you want a good amount of variety, Feal is where you should be headed.
One of the many experimental three-track records from Bernhard Living, From Here to There is yet another exploration of tonality and thought.
Everything about this zero-sum EP radiates talent, from the grooves, to the effortlessness of the transitions, to the bangers, it’s really impressive.
Breath shines both as an ambient record and as a blend of both ambient and classical, not solely because of the instrumentation utilized, but also because of these really big powerful climaxes that make up for the record’s most engaging moments.
13 is a fun experience. There’s a lot of danceable moments—but also a lot of more intricate explorations of techno, industrial, and electro with only six tracks to offer. The record manages to find a great balance between these genres, leaving you with some really memorable and catchy tunes, while also punching hard when it wants to.
