In a continuation of his approach to distance himself from a semblance of traditional dance music leanings, the advancement of his creative process finds him working within a well-defined sonic set while employing a transformative use of live instrumentation.
Ital Tek (aka Alan Myson) delivers an experimental opus fit for sci-fi neo-noir with Bodied, his 6th album release on Planet Mu. While its predecessor Hollowed was highly lauded as the album that hit the reset button for Ital Tek, it is this newest work that finds his metamorphosis even further evolved. In a continuation of his approach to distance himself from a semblance of traditional dance music leanings, the advancement of his creative process finds him working within a well-defined sonic set while employing a transformative use of live instrumentation.
The result rewards audiences with a specific soundscape that thoughtfully leads the listener into mystery. From the jump, the track “Adrift” treads Vangelis territory conjuring images of a dystopian future. Even prior to experiencing the album, the track titles themselves such as “Becoming Real” and “Cipher” foretell a cross-section of human and machine. The former track features a crisp rhythmic pattern on top of spacious protracted bass synth, climaxing with the introduction of a sharp and sparkly pad. The crystalline nature of which acts as an awakening. A similar effect returns on the track “Vanta,” presenting a rooted theme of interplaying elements that build tension through juxtaposition while remaining organic in execution.
Unique to Ital Tek’s sound is a permeating lead squelch that momentarily appears on “Across Time” and resembles the squeal of a cassette tape being overdriven in fast forward. The album’s mastering greatly accentuates the resonance of its compositions. If you turn the volume up even slightly on your system the magnitude is impactful and astounding. Overall, his perfectly selected and placed kicks, precise use of grainy distortion amidst swelling and heavenly pads, along with occasional vocal cuts that feel both alien and ancient, all contribute to the retro-future world Bodied brings to the table.
Fans of Clark’s Peak Magnetic or Kangding Ray’s work should definitely check out this record. With many notable electronic artists and contemporary composers in their own right increasingly writing for TV/Film soundtracks these days (Oneohtrix Point Never – Good Time, Deru – Impulse, Clark – Last Panthers, Disasterpeace – It Follows), it makes absolute sense that Ital Tek is participating in that space as well, contributing his skillful ability to video games, trailers and film.
Bodied is available on Planet Mu September 7th, 2018.
