Invisible Allies is a collaboration between well known West Coast downtempo aficionado Bluetech and Philadelphia electronic mastermind KiloWatts. Jus Forrest investigates the audio fabric of the duo’s recent offering and uncovers a robotic groove that remains unconventional in the reflection of its own damp glow.
[Listen | Purchase] Hyperdimensional Animals is a wonderful and varied creation that expands to offer insight like no other. With the building twangs and vibrations of “Ghost Bridge,” it’s loaded with genuine atmosphere that is meticulously sculpted with its perfect curves and precise insight, before eventually finding a pace with more definition, midway, taking a step out into a more diverse incarnation.
Reverb laden stabs, cast among sweeping movements and expanding depths, it’s “Turquoise Rain Chant.” Delivering a simplistic bass line that’s tinted with a tender synth echo, the track gradually becomes embellished with breaks in the beat, flaunting a robotic groove that remains unconventional in the reflection of its own damp glow. Moving to a sci-fi and largely experimental perch is “Harmonic Tectonics.” A laboratory of subtle beat and sound that disperses like a thin vale of mist. “Techniculus Funkulaurus;“ creates a different and almost funk like rhythm; there’s a broken edge, smoothed over with its overlays of melodic colour.
Hyperdimensional Animals shows no lack of hypersensitive persona and “Mulburry Windows” is perfect proof of such a statement. It shows off with a gradual glide to complement its subtle higher pitched movements, adding that certain chilled out vibrancy to the track as it grows. This album’s high points do not end there however; “Ghost Bridge” – the Mr. Projectile Remix – seems to be where this record comes into its own. A most superb remix; it’s restless, inquisitive and possesses a confident dominance. The pace is fast with blue areas to add to its intrigue, all before it fades, to reveal a delay and reverb alongside a firm bass line; its random sounds calling out with a distinct emotional plea.
Additional remixes on this record have lots to add to the flavour. “Harmonic tectonics Remix” is like a journey around echoey cobbled constructions; desperately seeking out every shadow, while the “Mulberry Windows Remix” is akin to the younger version of its big brother. Its innocent twang gives it a smile and a sunshine like glow.
In general, never a fan of releases laden with additional remixes of the same material, Hyperdimensional Animals is an exception to the rule; working extremely well, resulting in an interesting re-interpretation of what has gone before. Rather than become recycled and tiresome – it’s a expanded birds eye view of its electronic components and creative technologies. Wrapped up beautifully with insight and vision.
Hyperdimensional Animals is out now on Native State. [Listen | Purchase]
