Completely isolated from anything mainstream and free of periodic characteristics, Anomic is another spectacular, timeless work by Marconi Union and definitely a highlight point in Wobble’s extensive and colorful career. Two highly creative forces at the top of their game.
Influential bass player Jah Wobble and inventive, unconventional ambient outfit Marconi Union have joined forces, and over a period of two years concocted a spellbinding sonic potion that stirs both the heart and mind. Since the beginning, the Marconi Union guys were immune to current trends and fads, and you can still hear the consequences of this lasting immunity on each album they release. They don’t recycle, they develop and transform, and always without losing their charm. This latest cooperation with Jah Wobble is another interesting step in Marconi Union’s sonic evolution that shows once again the band’s ability to craft eccentric music that is also very accessible.
Marconi Union perfected and demonstrated this winning formula beautifully with the 2012 stellar album Different Colours which was created after keyboardist Duncan Meadows joined founding members Richard Talbot and Jamie Crossley. Anomic was created when Talbot and Crossley were still the only members of the union.
Anomic exhibits a collaborative work that is full of mutual appreciation. Marconi Union just let Jah Wobble do his own thing and vice versa. Nobody tries to stand out or lead the way. In some sort of mysterious ritualistic way, they all just let the music flow and form its own shape, while leaving space for each other to shine. Maybe that’s why they didn’t come up with a new project name and just went with Jah Wobble & Marconi Union—a project name that perfectly represents what you hear on the album. Wobble’s deep, infectious dub basslines fit like a glove to Marconi Union’s stunning, detailed electronics and haunting melodies.
When it comes to style and mood, I think Wobble and Marconi Union managed to create and convey what they had in mind. In Marconi Union’s own words: We had a very clear idea about what we wanted the album to reflect. We were keen to make an “ambient” album that had some grit, the sort of music that might make you think about the wrong side of town. At the same time, we didn’t want to make it doomy and grim.
Even though you can call it ambient, dub techno or electronica, fringe music might be a better description for this rich poignant blend by Wobble and Marconi Union. Completely isolated from anything mainstream and free of periodic characteristics, Anomic is another spectacular, timeless work by Marconi Union and definitely a highlight point in Wobble’s extensive and colorful career. Two highly creative forces at the top of their game.
Anomic is available on 30 Hertz. [Release page | Album sampler]
