Ekman’s isolated compositions resemble the sounds of VC-118A or Gosub, that methodical removal of the human element to allow the machine to dominate.
Ekman (aka Roel Dijcks) has quickly gained recognition. The Dutch artist immediately caught people’s attention with his first EP on Panzerkreuz, a jarring industrialized acid flavor. Since then, Ekman has been picked up for further releases on labels like Abstract Forms, Belaten and Berceuse Heroique with a greater musical focus on electro. Now Dijcks arrives on Solar One Music for his first album: M.S.P..
M.S.P. is unapologetically dark from the outset. “Coriolis Effect” liquefies light, transforming it into burnt treacle. “Cosmic Acceleration” maintains the veil of night—beats are blackened with distorted angry vocals and serrated chords. Dijcks’ sound has a frustrated tone, a jagged and antipathy-filled mood. Bared beats are coupled with terse echoes as electro formations flow through “Phantom Energy.” Reductions are further reduced; corrugated chords are sharpened for “Nasty Infinity,” piercingly penetrated by cruel snares. Probes are sent into the void, waveforms sent into a sea of stars and synth resonance. Vocals return for “Missing Satellite Problem” before “Ergosphere” closes. A final piece of icicle clad computer music.
Dijcks has been one of the recent discoveries in the electro scene. His isolated compositions resemble the sounds of VC-118A or Gosub, that methodical removal of the human element to allow the machine to dominate. Solid stuff, as ever, from Ekman and the Solar One camp.
M.S.P. is available on Solar One Music. [Release page]
