Blanchimont is immersive armchair electronics, compositions that are uncluttered yet complex. A statement from an artist who marches to his own beat, one who continues to draw deserved admiration and recognition. Long may this golden return continue.
The traditions of techno
De:tuned deserve credit for many things. Their dedication to techno as an artform is exemplary. The quality of their vinyl releases is first class, the sound and the attention to detail is a model for other imprints. But perhaps their greatest achievement is to unearth lost and forgotten talent from the past. A shining example of this is the work of Nurmad Jusat better known as Nuron.
Through La Source and La Source 02, Jusat gave word to the faithful that he had returned. This mythical figure was walking amongst us and, more importantly, still making music. The delicate drum arrangements and supremely deep pads that characterized his production on Likemind were carried into his contemporary creations, the emotion and sensitivity continued.
That unique signature blend returns with Blanchimont, a three tracker just hitting record stores. Strings introduce “Stavelot,” waves of understated percussion rolling to give a foundation for the Detroit inspired melody. Gentle shifts permeate the piece, warmth meandering through curves of pads and scudding drum patterns. A trademark of Nuron’s sound is his bending and shaping of beats. Rhythms are shrouded in an analogue haze for “Masta,” keys fall loosely as skittering hi-hats and snares are crunched into texture and tone. The title piece closes. Moody notes introduce, metallic rattles giving way to gliding lines of brightness. The traditions of techno arrive in the latter part of the track, bold chords tempered by reverb.
Despite the haughtiness of the genre tag, IDM was focussed on a freedom of expression. Structures were pulled down as artists delved into their machines. Nuron was a foundational part of that sound. Jusat’s has maintained that rare quality of still pushing the boundaries while remaining with the canon of ambient techno. Blanchimont is immersive armchair electronics, compositions that are uncluttered yet complex. A statement from an artist who marches to his own beat, one who continues to draw deserved admiration and recognition. Long may this golden return continue.
Blanchimont is available on De:tuned. [Bandcamp]
