A solid, and aggressive outing of adventurous, forward-thinking, and layered electronic music that deserves attention in 2017 Best Of lists.
Displacer, also known as Michael Morton (head of The Crime League imprint), certainly knows how to keep himself busy with music, art, and all things creative. With an expansive discography spanning 14-years, we’ve seen the artist migrate from post-industrial leanings to current downtempo electronic strains. The Face You Deserve, a phrase adapted from a graphic novel by Ann Nocenti, embarks on the inspiration Displacer finds in the crevasses of spiritual relaxation and the trials of overcoming obstacles. Morton, as a result, simply lays it all out on the table in terms of genre coverage—all the while maintaining a strong musical trajectory.
“Out Of Time” delivers perhaps the finest in a wide assortment of low-end bass, rhythm and synth discovery. “Falling Down” punctuates a more aggressive industrial tone, a familiar benchmark Displacer set over the past decade. Sonic shadows are scattered throughout these 10-pieces as refined and gritty electrons break the classic IDM mold. “No More Mr. Nice Guy” harks back to an industrial techno theme, whereas “Shadow Self” inhabits lively percussive elements brought to the foreground with a carefully threaded melodic synth-line. Elsewhere you’ll find muddy drone remnants unearthed on “Emerald” where downtempo debris finds new light. The title track ventures into far-off spaces where rolling bass and punchy beats create a sonic arch for the album. “Power Word” pushes forward on the promise of deafening low-end rumbling and a melodic current that sways from turbulent to flowing.
A solid, and aggressive outing of adventurous, forward-thinking, and layered electronic music that deserves attention in 2017 Best Of lists.
The Face You Deserve is available on Hymen.
