This fourth release has further solidified Clear Memory’s position in the realm of electronics. The label is cultivating an enviably productive collective of musicians with collaborations flowing as freely as audio output. Sounds reflecting a do-it-yourself attitude, an attitude that is in one breath constructive and, with a stern shout, iconoclastic.
Constructive and, with a stern shout, iconoclastic
Most things have retracted in 2020. GDP has shrunk across the world. Social circles have shrivelled, or most have. The Clear Memory crew have expanded, bringing new artists into the fold while adding a fourth 12” to the catalogue.
Like its three siblings, this latest installment is a compilation. And like its predecessors, it is a cross section of electronic artists from Leipzig with each delivering their own unique sounds. One fundamental concept that glues this collective of musicians is collaboration, Clear Memory is about coming together (in whatever way that may be nowadays) and combining ideas and instruments.
Uncanny Lovers, the duo of Magnetic and Robyrt Hecht, open the proceedings with the computer-funk of “Definition.” Scissoring beats busy their way through juddering basslines, spiralling keys pricked and prodded with spiking percussion as female vocals surface before falling back. Milium and Varum follow as Market Failure. A lone snare stands starkly next bulbous lines with a voice outlining a tale of wayward despair, lighter notes offering some limited relief from this stalking soundtrack. The team of Hayter and Int Main return for the first time since their appear on Clear Memory 001 as Next Neighbours. “Kind and Suspicious,” with its heavily vocodered words, marching rhythms and breaks, is cast in the mould of classic Le Syndicate Electronique as it skirts the lines of electro and punk.
Hayter dominates the flip, picking up his Rat Life partner in crime Westlake for flick-knifes and low blows of “Hairy Rebels.” Lurking somewhere between EBM and a bar brawl, this is a piece with serious intent. Drums are tough as nails with synth lines stabbing with wilfully, breaks nodding to a time when masks had more of a late-night meaning. Vocals are a feature of this most recent Clear Memory addition. The trend is maintained for the finale, Hayter and Milium forming the questionable Dog Balls for “Alle Goede Dinge.” Dripping in distortion, a dark and nasty one to end.
This fourth release has further solidified Clear Memory’s position in the realm of electronics. The label is cultivating an enviably productive collective of musicians with collaborations flowing as freely as audio output. Sounds reflecting a do-it-yourself attitude, an attitude that is in one breath constructive and, with a stern shout, iconoclastic.
Clear Memory 004 is available on Clear Memory. [Bandcamp]
