Haswell & Hecker :: UPIC Diffusion Session #23 (Editions Mego)

UPIC Diffusion Session #23 begins with a cascade of glitchy static tones, each descending in pitch and rising in volume. They converge briefly around a central point, only to spiral down further as we begin to hear the distinct click of switches being flipped.

Resembling vacuum-like sounds

Russell Haswell and Florian Hecker’s new audio work is an intriguing essay on electronic sounds, especially noisy ones. The release is presented as a series of abstract sound sculptures. UPIC Diffusion Session #23 begins with a cascade of glitchy static tones, each descending in pitch and rising in volume. They converge briefly around a central point, only to spiral down further as we begin to hear the distinct click of switches being flipped—tones flickering in and out, creating a dynamic sense of dub-like rhythm.

A deep drone holds sway as a series of glitchy tones march and stagger through. Then, a burning, oscillating cycle begins—thin and noisy as can be. Circuit bent percs fade in and out at 4:40, until they are replaced with atonal beeps. These stretch into drones that are not matched by pitch. Listening further, a series of atonal noise sessions are presented. Pitches, especially those filled with static, come and go unpredictably. Intense noises emerge regularly, resembling vacuum-like sounds, drones that oscillate, and shifts in pitch. The track unfolds like a conversation, with noise-filled drones interacting and punctuating each other as they continue their dialogue.

Overall, UPIC Diffusion Session #23 serves as a compelling demonstration of sound sculpting techniques through specific types of synthesis. Far from traditional, it presents a progressive showcase of innovative tones and methods—and it’s hardly unexpected, given the duo’s extensive history with Mego/Editions Mego.

UPIC Diffusion Session #23 is available on Editions Mego. [Bandcamp]