The ten tracks on Even Keel, which was published in August 2023, flex and sputter with a somber electronica intensity that skillfully projects early Warp, Rednetic, Toytronic, and Neo Ouija labels’ output.
Calm, steady, and balanced
Since mōshonsensu (aka Daryl Robinson, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK) has honed his skills for a number of years, it should come as no surprise to find this release on one of the top electronic music imprints on the planet—Touched Music. The ten tracks on Even Keel, which was published in August 2023, flex and sputter with a somber electronica intensity that skillfully projects early Warp, Rednetic, Toytronic, and Neo Ouija labels’ output. Roughened echoes and rhythmic glitches expand and contract on “Renaissance,” while “Forlorn Attempt To Escape”‘s ambient-industrial setting supplies just the right amount of emotional fuel to keep us craving more. And it’s in these tinier moments that Robinson finds his place.
Not one to overdo the layers of activity throughout, tracks like the epic 11-minute sojourn “Glitch Bourn” offer just the appropriate amount of ambience, nostalgic voices, and distant melodic chords with field recordings. It ends with the far-off cry of “Scottish Freestyle” and its bubbling glitch-n-clicks, making it an unexpectedly bizarre journey. Overall, a powerful, if not subtle and aptly-titled album that’s calm, steady, and balanced, and doesn’t give in to sudden changes in sonic mood or behavior.
Even Keel is available on Touched Music. [Bandcamp]
