Across the 12 tracks of the album, expect loads of fun atmosphere, effects, synth melodies, space concepts, vocoders, and more in this vast universe Blackploid explores.
Electro-funk for haunted castles
With a recent and prolific storm of releases both under his name and Blackploid moniker; Martin Matiske makes his 4th spin as Blackploid on the quality electro label, CPU; this time around with an impressive debut double LP. For fans and those familiar with Matiske work, this should be no surprise. Across the 12 tracks of the album, expect loads of fun atmosphere, effects, synth melodies, space concepts, vocoders, and more in this vast universe Blackploid explores.
The opener, “Pulsation,” welcomes you to the universe with heroic chords and vivid analog Arps and zapping action that remind of early console RPG soundtracks. Along with that energetic set of tones, “Material Collapse” arrives next, complete with artic-driving basslines and thrilling synth-stabs that build up suspense and climax well over sharp 808 snare layered kickdrums and silky hats; before Blackploid takes it to the next stage with the YMO meets 80s West Coast electro of “Planetary Nebula.” This track has an almost staggered yet delightful groove that will get many moving. The dark edge in melody components is here, yet it’s very playful at the same time.
And if you like that sense of funk, there is more prescribed like “Automatik,” as it finely captures the rev of The Motor City‘s effects and open, raw air atmosphere while meeting villainous synths over dominant and layered kickdrums, charming lead lines, and bleeps.
Going further, there are a variety of sub-stages and peaking bassline progressions in “The Mission,” taking the listener into quite a groovy yet dark journey of analog machine magic, and perfectly leading into the deep pixelated composition of “Wormhole.” Hypnotic and cosmic frequencies are all present as it wiggles into your mind sounding like a tasty malfunction, most notably in its imperfect but perfect synth-bass over a punchy silicone-textured rhythm and complete with spacy and mysterious synth modulations. Truly sci-fi electro fun and a strong highlight in the album listening as a whole.
Soaring synth lines create an octave beauty ::
From space we get into “Silent Room,” an imaginative track with nasty bass and haunting leads complimented by occasional ghostly vox hums and crisp 808 snares. It’s electro-funk for haunted castles. Likewise, “IQ” has notable strings of suspense and transitioning progressions all held so tight by a jigsaw-like bassline that seamlessly rides and changes moods with the emotion of atmosphere. There’s also a lot to love about the vocal chants and their surreal effect. An excellent track, creating strong climatic moments in the album experience.
“Unidentified” flies in next with a confident mix of playful vocal textured chords and a minimal-is-more type of rhythm that paces well for the feeling intended.
Next urgent and emotive chords spanning from colorful to dark and moody set feel in listening to “Cell Mutation.” While it’s easy to groove and move to the bass-heavy kicks and snappy 808 snares, cold synth-bass and soaring synth lines create an octave beauty. “Cell Mutation” delivers a deep impression that will be a highlight for many.
Plain out robofunk is the name of the game in “Vacuum Movement,” and it’s easy to be pulled in by its bouncy rhythms and organ highs that are hard to resist; along with the charismatic basslines and peaks, this one has special ingredients.
“Space Curve” closes out the album in class filled with designs of retro synthpunk and classical stylings accented in spacey analogue tones; it’s really a cool texture to hear on both headphones or professional speakers, and melancholic all through.
In conclusion, Enter Universe is an excellent album that doesn’t let up on charisma or intensity across its 12 tracks; very keen for listeners who dig imaginative electro and the kind of output that both Matiske and CPU are known for. The cohesion is heavy with an overall aesthetic that captures the aura of 80s video-game soundtracks; at the same time, each piece in this collection has its own DJ-friendly purpose as well, smoothly spanning influences of YMO, Kraftwerk, old-school synth-wave, and early Detroit electro aesthetics. Both synth and electro lovers alike should enjoy Enter Universe—a great addition to the CPU portfolio and, of course, your record collection.
Enter Universe is available on Central Processing Unit. [Bandcamp]
