As Drownded flows, it wavers between freeform exploration and meditative stillness, riding an arc that’s as hypnotic as it is grounded.
Deeply familiar and gently sedated
There’s an elusive electronic patina on Drownded—a dusty haze of static flicker and slow-motion technoid flutter—that feels both deeply familiar and gently sedated. Philadelphia’s Tom Croke (4rd, Bewwip) and Steve Hackett, working as Night Owl Committee, channel a spirit reminiscent of early 2000s Secret Frequency Crew, where layered shoegaze meets languid textured beats, unraveling into moments of lounge-like contemplation.
Lo-fi psychedelia is in prime form here. “Snow Mules” opens with shimmering synthscapes and warm nostalgia, setting a tone that recalls Merck’s electrified hip-hop lineage—think Deceptikon—now smoothed into a refined downtempo glaze on “Copse Circuit.” This sense of calm extends through the outer edges of the EP, where jazz-touched rhythms shape “Chester Groove” and closing track “1960s Pressurized Compartment Intelligence” with poised acoustic percussion and an air of distilled clarity. The fuzzy, bass-infused downtempo treasure trove of “Nitroxidation (Bewwwhiiop),” woven with subtle vocal strands, is also nothing short of stunning.
“Cycles” emanates a magnetic ambiance, spiraling through prismatic atmospheres, while “In Depth” aligns itself beside the foggy sonic trails of Sandison and Eoin. As Drownded flows, it wavers between freeform exploration and meditative stillness, riding an arc that’s as hypnotic as it is grounded.
Drownded is available on Isness/Analogical Force. [Bandcamp]
