Experimental Electronic Music
Two highly acclaimed figures of IDM, downtempo, synth, and post-techno music join forces to release a puzzling album of hyperactive grooves and hypnotic pulses seconded by soothing ambient moves. The thematic background leads the listener into the modern-era of cycling and in particular the Tour de France’s epic sport adventure.
The whole of The Phenol Tapes is a deep journey into the interior of Scanner’s creative mind as well as the lands of Captiva Island and comes highly recommended.
This is synthesized drone with the addition of processed chordal timbres that are longitudinal and unobtrusive. Some sparse and detached crystal-like piano touches are also perceptible, covered by diaphanous, shimmering, and electronically generated vocal timbres.
Quality Time Volume 4 slices a deep cross-section through the label’s unique sonic vision; to encapsulate a myriad of abstract electronic music structures and blend them seamlessly in this fourth volume. It might also be fitting to find more quality time and head back to Bonding Tapes’ earlier volumes again.
Overall, Cast Down And Hunted is a powerful release where I doubt I’ll ever play the B-side again; because it’s THAT powerful! But that A-Side might well end up on a ‘best of’ year list.
Globally, All of My Faults Laid Bare demonstrates a strong use of meandering synthesized textures with looped sequences, softly moving in deep space.
Similar to Richard Devine’s industrial synth-mechanics mixed with the rhythmic crunch-hop of Gescom, lifeisfeedback (aka Benjamin Chilton / Elevator Sound) sets a memorable tone as he opens an account with GOTO.
Dancing Alone is a solid production where no expenses are spared. If you are a fan of Elska’s vocal textures or enjoy translucent gothic-ambient moods and melodies, this album will most appeal to you.
