Ruct is a mixed concoction that dips back and forth between IDM’s glory days and yet still manages to reveal hidden electrical messages that are shaping tomorrow’s pulse.
Active for just over a decade, Miroslaw Majewski (aka ENV(itre)) isn’t new to the tangled web of 8-bit infused electronics and IDM-mangled audio slicing. As evidenced on his latest outing with Detroit Underground, the Ruct EP forges ahead via chiseled blocks of rhythmic clips, glitches and mechanical funk. Five original ENV(itre) selections plus three remixes yields a well-balanced sonic extraction.
“nscan” displays a flickering Autechrean trove as Steve Kuehl’s Resonance Mix elevates it to a 13-minute minimized, slow-motion acidic opus which recalls Plastikman’s “Are Friends Electrik?” (NovaMute, 1998). The artistic connections don’t stop there. While listening to Ruct, the disjointed yet coherent flow unveils early Pacman/Colongib productions that Kracfive Records inspired in the early 2000’s. “Qumarr” douses itself into abstract and emotional noise (not unlike Ben Frost crossing Fennesz) while Oberman Knocks’ remix magnetizes a classic-era Gescom sheen—vocal contortions aplenty. Drasko V doesn’t slow anything down on the “Qumarr” interpretation—glitch’n funk stabs bounce off metallic walls.
Ruct is a mixed concoction that dips back and forth between IDM’s glory days and yet still manages to reveal hidden electrical messages that are shaping tomorrow’s pulse.
Ruct is available on Detroit Underground.
