As much as an inheritor of braindance, Alako is an interpreter of the style. Nothing is overdone on this debut, instead, an equilibrium is found between frenetic noodling and subtle shifts.
Frenetic noodling and subtle shifts
Music popularity flows in waves. House had a major resurgence about a decade ago. A new appreciation of electro bubbled over the last five years. At the same time, a style of electronics popularized by Aphex Twin and Rephlex is finding new audiences: braindance. True, the genre tag might not be the best (supposedly psychedelic handbag was another contender) but it stuck. Nevertheless, the molten acid computer musings of this style are captivating, varied and hooked folk from the get-go. Newer labels, like Analogical Force, have helped to create a new listener base for the broken rhythms, jagged 303 spikes and creamy harmonies of braindance. Notte Tempo, from Milan, is recently minted imprint seeking to bring fresh artists and sounds to the air and inter-waves.
After opening its doors in 2020, the label sought out fresh artists, like Out Of The Blue, while seeking out established talent, such as The Jaffa Kid. For their latest, Notte Tempo have drafted in a new name in the form of Alako.
Four tracks make up Arch. Gentle and understated, “The Lookout [Faded Sky Mix]” opens. Beats are a calm and steady as warmth is layered with synth and string coming together beautifully. A darker tone invades with the bending 303 of “Arched Doorway.” Rhythms are colder and skittish. The track is soaked in reverb with marsh melodies barely surfacing from the subterranean comfort. “Spiral/Spacific” introduces the flip. The longest track on the EP, the same sepulchral sounds follow on from “Arched Doorway.” But this ashen mood is short-lived, steady kicks giving way to bright uplifting keys. Acid tomfoolery arrives with lively spiking notes that bring balance to the piece. The closer “Colour Acid” maintains the same levels of optimism. Squirming TB303 chords are at the work’s heart, as the name might suggest, with textured percussion adding a playful element to this rich finale.
As much as an inheritor of braindance, Alako is an interpreter of the style. Nothing is overdone on this debut, instead, an equilibrium is found between frenetic noodling and subtle shifts. The tenderness of IDM is plain to hear across the 12”, as is the computer influence of electronica. Alako adopted and adapts from the past to deliver something intimate and intense, a thoughtful and thought-provoking record.
Arch is available on Notte Tempo. [Bandcamp]
