The latest from Caustica Waveform and Odio are poles apart, in fact they couldn’t be more different if they tried. From the half smiling charms of Constant Pulse before being submerged in the riches of Reflexion; admirable proof of what these Spaniards are capable of. A formidable pairing and one I’m expecting to see picked up on other labels soon.
I’ve been hugely impressed by the output of both Caustica Waveform and Odio to date. The former, with three EPs, and a new one fresh from the pressing plant, has beamed with a spread of influences. On the other hand, Odio, which combines the forces of Diffuse Arc and Arcanoid (Cantalapiedra), hit the ground running with a cracking first release last year.
What really has stood out for me is the variety of styles being explored on these imprints. Electro has been the mainstay but there’s been forays into techno, electronica, IDM and even some acid. Arguably Constant Pulse marks the greatest leap into the unknown.
The EP sees the Madrid based artist return to his “origenes.” And said “origins” are centered in electrofunk and turntable pioneers ,Diffuse Arc turns back the platter and goes for the fun option. Serious, beard stroking electronics this ain’t. Instead you’ve got a record that harks back to a time of fun-loving melodies. Snapping beats wrapped around samples, as in the Kraftwerk nods of “Inner Tour” or the mid-level homage of “Set It Out.” “School Life” is a more textured assortment, its piano notes and pads linking it to past memories. Arcanoid brings something different to the 12”. Samples are there, as are some spacey synth lines; but it’s a warm and stumbling beat that fuzzes the floor and transforms this warbling hybrid.
Constant Pulse is a stark contrast to another recent split by this Madrid pairing. The first Odio EP was praised by many, including myself, as an exemplary piece of modern machine music. Its predecessor, Reflexion, is cut of the same cloth. The parameters, the boundaries of electro are toyed with; the definition nudged without being bullied. For this outing those supposed seams are well and truly ignored. Cantalapiedra dares on the A-Side, and wins. Three works that are going to leave many a jaw ajar. Electronica from the heyday of the sound. Strings, computer crunch, melting harmonies and a neo-classical touch converge in a breath-taking display. Arc Diffuse picks up on those lines on the flip. Lush tones wash and flow and just when you think you’re in for a relaxed close the pure intensity of “Soledad” arrives.
The latest from Caustica Waveform and Odio are poles apart, in fact they couldn’t be more different if they tried. From the half smiling charms of Constant Pulse before being submerged in the riches of Reflexion; admirable proof of what these Spaniards are capable of. A formidable pairing and one I’m expecting to see picked up on other labels soon.
Constant Pulse is available on Caustica Waveform and Reflexion on Odio.
