ArD2 with SETI Recordings are part of the growing wave, demonstrating their talent with an EP of changing moods that suits both armchair and dancefloor.
A few years back I covered a release on Frigio Records from ArD2, an Iberian Electro outfit. Some may remember the duo from Heinrich Mueller’s rework of “.” Others might know one half of the twosome, Penélope Martín who is part of NRSB-11, with Gerald Donald and Sherard Ingram, and Zwiscehnwelt. Either way, ArD2 have returned and this time with their own imprint. Once again drafting in Gerald Donald for some remix action SETI Recordings is opening its vinyl account with Night Lights.
I remember ArD2’s 2084 album. Their sound was one steeped in Electro, but stretching the definitions of the genre. Their latest offering is of the same lilt. “Control” looms into being. Analogue shrieks are speared by resolute beats before chords reach into the distance. A spirited start. Warmer winds welcome the haunting “Cosmic Dust.” Again, the terse jolts of Electro are the formula but breaks are cleverly worked as currents of Techno enter. “Endless Storm” closes the A, a complex and involving piece of Electronics. The flip sees Mueller take the helm, turning his able hand to “Close Timeline Curve.” Uncaring, tortured beat patterns are present from the outset. Lances of synth pierce, analogue icicles warded away by bawdy and bruising bass in a piece reminiscent of Ultradyne’s toughened sound. The warped hybrid that is “Curfew” closes. Clanks and echoes are met by pipes and subverted samples in an indefinable end.
Since moving to Madrid I’ve been struck by the sounds coming out of the Iberian peninsula. More and more Spanish artists and labels are coming to the fore. ArD2 with SETI Recordings are part of the growing wave, demonstrating their talent with an EP of changing moods that suits both armchair and dancefloor. Hopefully the first sample of more to come.
Night Lights is available on SETI.
