(02.22.05) In the past few years we’ve witnessed an abundance of artists blending real instrumentation with synthetic, electronic music. Within these windows of inspiration comes the human instinct to immediately recognize the beauty nestled between crispy beats and meandering rhythms. Artists such as Bitcrush, Christian Kleine, Ulrich Schnauss and edIT have seamlessly crossed the limitations of typical electronic noodling by incorporating the soul buried inside their guitars and by utilizing voices (distorted or not) within their emotional compositions. Accessibility has always been the key with any musician trying to attain a broader appeal –this is not to say that an artist must compromise quality in their creative palette, but instead, they realize the significance of meaning and realization of their sound. Such is the case with Appogee’s debut release for Kanpai Records.
Unconscious Ruckus opens with the aptly titled “Ep[i]phany,” a breathtaking college-radio friendly piece where ethereal guitars are smeared against uplifting lyrics, dripping beats and inspirational effects. “Ntheme” takes on an encapsulating, unrelenting emotional journey through reflective ambiences, subtle drum’n bass and drenched guitar moments that inspire nothing but creative brain-juice. Elsewhere on Unconscious Ruckus, subtle industrial-rock elements breath life into rusted machines (“Creeper” and “Y Illuminative”). “I’m Yours” could easily be the favorite old-time melodic indie tune we used to request at the local radio station while the edIT-styled funk-jazz of “This Moment” blends instrumental R & B pieces with creative lyrical splashes. The introverted ambient-chill of “Coral” has a nostalgic flavor that doesn’t let up, and it’s at this time that we begin to realize the substance unveiling itself on this album. “Kddr Mov.2” and “Kddr Mov.3” could be considered broken mirror images that refract skewed light through chilly Orb/777-styled ambiences while textured drum’n bass highlights its counterpart, respectively. Closing up with “Meaning of Life,” time stands still and a contemplative mood sets the stage for a three-minute break until Appogee closes up with a studio conversation that was probably inspired during a jam-session where musical ideas bounced around a 12-pack of Newcastle. Quite interesting, to say the least.
Unconscious Ruckus shines bright on its own, creating a style that blends polished drum’n bass with sonic exploration. Filled with inspiring lyrics, samples, and forward thinking musical collages, Appogee leaves a trail that will certainly appeal to a wide audience willing to accept a change of pace in the overly saturated field of experimental electronics.
Unconscious Ruckus is out now on Kanpai.
