Finding a record adheres to the idea of electronica is quite difficult. Finding a record that executes the idea of electronic is a rarity. Finding a record that does both is a keeper.
For this reviewer, electronica has always been about music of an inert beauty, music manipulated by man and technology to create something alien but inherently wonderful. A host of artists and labels have produced music under this mantra, but it is difficult to maintain a high level of electronica output. Electronica is a loosely based genre, it has many influences, some even conflicting. It is a sound that takes elements from an array of music styles, jazz, classical, rock, hip hop, funk, electro, and blends them as it sees fit. For this reason, some think that electronica is an easy sound to reproduce; but this is far from the case. The vast number of sounds an artist has to choose from makes his choice that much more difficult. That is why it is so hard to make good quality electronic music, and it is the same reason why so much sub par electronica is created. So in this mesh of sounds, this expanse of beats, this sea of computer music, what hope has an artist of creating an album of electronica that does not become swamped under the infinite choice at the artist’s fingertips?
So how have Clapan with their latest LP, 21st Century Lullaby, faired up against the endless selection of sonic expressions? Has he managed to reduce the huge volume of computerized tones that make up electronic music to their very essence? Or has 21st Century Lullaby been drowned under the countless tweaks and squeaks that have pulled so many other artists down into the depths of electronic mediocrity?
Clapan is Denis Korunsky, who previously released with Dars, offers his newest outing, 21st Century Lullaby for Somia Music out of Florida. The LP opens with “Organ Man,” a squelching digital soup track that leans and leers at the listener, imposing itself with a comfort and confidence that draws you in. The track writhes as it develops, downgrading into a sticky computer liquor as soothing basslines meet mechanized glitch. It’s a track that sets the tone for the rest of the album; that this is not just going to be another run of the mill electronic outing, but something more. Track two, “With Your Resolution,” continues with this vintage electronica feel. A work of soft chords, bitter cold beats are all encapsulated in a harmonious medley. “Shopping Cart (Clapan Remix)” is in the same vein as its predecessor, more gurgling glitch layered over relaxed undertones. “Certification” is one of the best pieces the album has to offer. It starts out with a resonating synth line, echoing in an out, reminiscent of the Artificial Intelligence-era melodies. As the track develops, a shifting uneasiness emerges from the shadows. The track grows into a wonderful crisp IDM work, with lovingly constructed beats, haunting melody movements and well-timed breaks and shifts; A fluctuating computer journey, illustrating all the finest points of the music.
Clapan’s sound is tricky to compare. In some respects, they have a similar sound to what Merck generally released; yet on occasions their synth stylings take on a very old school IDM feel. Track five has that analogous Incunabula (Autechre) feel, but it’s coupled with over ten years of advancement in music technology. “Manual Control” is another notable work on the album. Once more that classic electronica sound is there, deep industrial beats with a dreamy backdrop of arching sound. As the piece matures, a synergy of sound materializes as drums melt into melody and visa versa. A track full of passion, love and beauty; a work emblematic of what electronica is all about. Track seven is yet another breathtaking piece. Clapan once more employ a soulful somber backdrop while splits of distorted snare shave and weave through the piece. A shimmering melody twists throughout like a shred of grass in a winter wind. The track ends in a puddle of sparks and soundboards as Clapan reduces it all to a shell. The tracks on 21st Century Lullaby have a spacey, almost bubble like sound. The pieces float by, as light as air, on layers of digital sound. Gentle rhythms, soothing tones blended with computer noise to make perfect pieces of electronica.
With 21st Century Lullaby, Clapan definitely shows skill in crafting good electronic music. Clever, yet soulful; music full of elaborate sound sculptures, complex beats and passion, it’s summed up with what electronica is all about, beautiful music.
21st Century Lullaby is out now on Somia Music.
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