The EP is very drum focused and other sounds are reined in by either percussion or static. But on several listens the subtlety is laid bare. Koreman creates distant and distressed atmospheres. A bleak and brutal answer to Poverty is Violence’s call.
Poverty Is Violence.
A phrase that calls to mind graphic images. War zones. Urban decay. The refugee, or emigrant, crisis facing Europe and the Middle East.
In fact this is a new label, a Berlin/London, endeavor set up by Charlton, of Mord Music, and Nick Durton, founder Surface. The imprint by an artist whose work could be a sonic representation of the words Poverty is Violence, Drvg Cvltvre aka Vincent Koreman.
The Right Knife In The Right Back, maintaining a certain language theme one might say, collects four pieces of Tilburg broiled blackness. Koreman’s style isn’t Chicago pastiche or full throttle techno. Instead a different approach is taken; one which is methodical and menacing. And these characteristics permeate the 12”. “Drone Strike” is distorted and dirt clad. Beats build around fetid fuzz for a claustrophobic and intimidating encounter. “Computer Controlled” is no friendlier. Stark samples loop in a wasteland. Drums are present but ghost, as do basslines. It’s as though Drvg Cvltvre has managed to hold on to the remnants of a track, the ash and phantoms to construct whispers of intent. Specter, of Tetrode and Sound Signature fame, keeps the reduced intensity for his eclipsed version of “Drone Strike.” The finale is perhaps the oddest beat of all. A haunted harmony stalks “You Will All Die Alone & Unloved.” Strange caribean funk chords with skeletal stabs and strained rhythms.
On first hearing The Right Knife In The Right Back I thought it sounded a bit like a DJ Tool. The EP is very drum focused and other sounds are reined in by either percussion or static. But on several listens the subtlety is laid bare. Koreman creates distant and distressed atmospheres. The dancefloor is present, techno drippings and acid undertones spilling from speaker, but Drvg Cvltvre’s floor is occupied by deviants and na’er-do-wells. A bleak and brutal answer to Poverty is Violence’s call.
The Right Knife In The Right Back is available on Poverty Is Violence.
