V/A :: Genome 4 (Point Source Electronic Arts)

The artists on the roster, each crafting their own fractured soundscapes, represent the state of experimental electronics in a decisive way as the appropriately named imprint actively pursues all types of visual-audio creation—bringing together a wide range of talented musicians.

Representing the state of experimental electronics in a decisive way

One of the most reliable labels for abstract electronic music, Point Source Electronic Arts are back with their fourth sequence, the Genome series, which features 22 tracks all created from samples that were provided to the artists involved. All of the tracks have a similar sonic heritage, yet each one emerges as something fresh and different. The artists on the roster, each crafting their own fractured soundscapes, represent the state of experimental electronics in a decisive way as the appropriately named imprint actively pursues all types of visual-audio creation—bringing together a wide range of talented musicians. Musicians outside of the label can also contribute to the Genome project as it’s a yearly series.

What is the outcome in this case, and what have the Genome 4 roster tapped into? One thing is for sure: they keep developing infectious sound design explorations, with The Fellow Passenger leading the way on “Paper Trail” that elicits a variety of glitchy and chunky beats. Additionally, there are lullaby ambient electronica moments when Alphabox blends tranquil landscapes with “On Flight.” Muted atmospheric elements also combine with blissful compositions courtesy of amaranth_todd’s “On Being Human,” and Tokee’s closing glitch-infused cinematics of “Reaching The Stars.”

However, Genome 4 is experimentation with a pulse; not just experimentation for the sake of experimenting; capturing remarkably fascinating forms and structures that are light years ahead of their time. Consider the vast, post-industrial, and magnetic rhythms of “Untethered Noetics” by Access To Arasaka, or “neurotic ops” by testube, where endlessly tangled mechanical webs of low-frequency noises pulse and flicker much like VAAG’s “Off Grid,” which appears to process a tangential flow. Or, dive into Esoteric Abstraction’s laid-back funk and brittle glitch breaks on “Indirect Specificity.” This collection easily makes it to the top of our pick of the finest of 2024.

It’s in these strange melodic spheres that Genome 4 truly comes to life. With so many noteworthy contributions to discuss—it would be a disservice to omit any of them—the enormous scale of this collective endeavor is nearly too much to handle in one fell swoop. Fortunately, the labels’ devoted and enthusiastic listeners can dive in on their own with a donation on their Bandcamp page. It’s obvious, at least to these ears (and for years), that the imprint is a quintessential source of electronic arts.

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The 22-track album includes a bonus sample kit of over 1,100 royalty-free drums, synths, loops and all sorts of other sounds. Use them to create a track for next year’s edition. These sounds are provided royalty-free and may be used for any other project as well.

Genome 4 is available on Point Source Electronic Arts. [Bandcamp]