The first thing that struck me was the mocked up graphics for the artwork and presentation were just beautiful. Very in keeping with the Dyadik label and colors reflecting how filled with heart and soul Heogen compositions are. This will be delivered in a lovely looking printed and semi transparent zip-lock bag, and of course digitally.
Quality right angles
So this writer could happily attach the byline “Back by popular demand” to this. The first Heogen (Odd Radio Circle, 2021) release was the one which moved me to actually try my hand at writing a review for that release. Spurred into action, challenged even, I wrote what became my first Igloo Mag review.
So when I received an advance digital copy of this release, I was delighted. The first thing that struck me was the mocked up graphics for the artwork and presentation were just beautiful. Very in keeping with the Dyadik label and colors reflecting how filled with heart and soul Heogen compositions are. This will be delivered in a lovely looking printed and semi-transparent zip-lock bag, and of course digitally.
What we are being presented here are 5 tracks, including a remix by non-other then Karsten Pflum, and of the “Shall We Go There” track. Had the first album had a single released, it would surely have been that one (well, the first one anyway). It was kind of the lead track from the album and was used to promote the album with a video. As above, this was the track that really moved me to write that first review. I’ll give each track a bit of a mention below, but if you are in a hurry then I give this 5 stars, essential purchase rating, and I would buy it on vinyl too if it were to be pressed. Hint, hint…
The extended EP sports 5 tracks, and opens with a perfect example of what Heogen brings to the table. “Rectangular Triangles” is in no way obtuse; rather it is filled with quality right angles, which jingles and jangles along with a lovely melody and pleasant beat. Now that we know Heogen is part Martin Boulton (Min-Y-Llan) and part Jeroen Bax (exm), it helps contextualize where this springs from. I love the way Heogen tracks have no problem being beautiful, and unrepentantly so. It fills almost 10 minutes of bliss and reminds us why we loved Odd Radio Circle.
No problem being beautiful, and unrepentantly so ::
“Pyroclastic” is even more sublime, with a rich swelling bass that would be very at home in an Inkipak track. Subtle vocal samples and floating synth lines take us to that place of bliss and allow us to revel in its warm bathing light. Yes, I really like Heogen. They fill that place in my heart and music collection, where being beautiful is more the point than being technically superior and ground-breaking. That said, the production and mastering are second to none here.
I really like Karsten Pflum a lot, as does Martin Boulton who has released his music in the past on more than one occasion. Getting another interpretation for “Shall We Go There” is a real treat. While I think I find it hard to love this more than the original, time and re-playing this remix makes me want to hear this version more and more over time; a real grower. I love what Karsten has done with the stabbing percussive elements.
“Tiled Stars” is probably my least favorite track on here, but that means nothing, as the bar is set so high, Andre The Giant would have had an issue leaning on it. What I will say is this track plays a worthy role on the EP, not as a filler, but as something slightly less saccharine to ease and cleanse the pallet.
Oxygen Fields must be a play on two of the earlier Jean Michel Jarre album titles. It seems only fitting that the is release plays out with its title track. If this was more “hands in the air” music then this would get you stretching! The open synth lines weave and bob around each other with elevated depths, in an almost euphoric state, like a goth on ecstasy (yeah, yeah, takes one to know one.) With almost nine minutes to entertain us, this track alone just builds and builds like a beanstalk growing from those magic beans. Halfway through we get the filtered breakdown, and return with the percussion that has been withheld to tease us into a state of frenzy. (Honestly, I’m not on anything writing this, coffee was the strongest ingestion of the day). Head bobbing and foot tapping, we will be brought home, and to the end of this fine release. Only to wish it had been a full length album.
I am biased, I loved the first release. I am even more biased now. I love both of the Heogen releases. If someone offered me their stuff on vinyl, I’d even trade my stash of magic beans for them! Live life to the max! Buy this, listen to it, and give it more than one play or skip through. Live with it for a while, and if you don’t like it you can give me guff on social media.
Oyxgen Fields is available on Dyadik. [Bandcamp]
