Modules Fail collapses time and drives a stake through clicking rhythms, digitized hip-hop and an overall crunch that is undeniably rooted in echo’s of the past.
[Listen | Purchase] Back in the late 90’s / early’ 00’s an influx of up-and-coming imprints such as Toytronic, Schematic, Merck, Djak-Up-Bitch (DUB), Musik Aus Strom, and Neo Ouija (to name a few) gravitated towards introducing listeners to electronic listening music that was on the verge of a mini-explosion while artists lined up from their bedrooms to show off their specialized audio creations. An entire decade has passed and as a result, the finest of the lot kept marching through this plethora of smart melodic grooves and crunchy beat patterns; these labels evenly skimmed the surface of what was to become a new generation of genre-benders. Today we’re seeing the offspring of this movement creating yet another twist on what these label’s passionately offered their audience.
It was only a few months ago that we dissected Enabl.ed‘s Disabled release on Spain’s Lovethechaos, and the same reference points continue to inspire on Modules Fail, yet another fine release for Enpeg. This is not necessarily a negative and should be considered a resuscitation of evolved armchair electronics for a new decade. Production levels on Modules Fail are set on high and all of the usual sonic indicators are turned on. Gameboy-style melodies flicker on “odeg2,” shuffling snaps buzz around on “Blowing Ashes,” tectonic bass-emissions unfold on “Empty Images,” classical Aphex Twin inspired horns trickle on “For the last time,” nostalgic and deformed beats scatter on “Melting in Stereo,” and this is just a glimpse of what is expelled on this eleven track digital debut. Modules Fail collapses time and drives a stake through clicking rhythms, digitized hip-hop and an overall crunch that is undeniably rooted in echo’s of the past.
With all of the above, a dream-like sequence can’t be ignored and should be mentioned here. It’s this particular characteristic that allows Jimmy Batista’s Enabl.ed moniker to tap into the ears, heart and mind without losing sight of where this music has been. This snapshot of raw beats and polished melodies encompasses a vision of empty images emerging from the undergrowth. How else could crumpled robotic music transition into its next iteration if artists don’t re-spark the music makers of the past? Enabl.ed does just that.
Modules Fail is out now on Enpeg. [Listen | Purchase]
