Their previous album—FUTURISM (Section 27, 2022—was billed as “exploring the farthest reaches of sandblasted electronics,” and Like Phantoms is a smooth progression forward. Despite being “underground” since 2009, Section 27‘s releases consistently push IDM and experimental electronic boundaries, inching closer and closer to the surface.
Displaying blissful electronic structures with finesse
Like Phantoms, the follow-up to FUTURISM (Section 27, 2022), features Nathan Story (Floating Spirits) and Tam Ferrans (Mitoma, Nonima), better known as Peltiform, on the helms to continue their sonic story. Their previous album was billed as “exploring the farthest reaches of sandblasted electronics,” and Like Phantoms is a smooth progression forward. Despite being “underground” since 2009, Section 27‘s releases consistently push IDM and experimental electronic boundaries, inching closer and closer to the surface.
“Shanty” begins with muted melodic drones and low-tones that pulsate like a dream we can’t wake up from. Then, on “Dimorphite,” a cascading wash of expressive electronics and sweet-toned rhythms emanate from, perhaps, an early Toytronic era as its pulse awakens. One of our favorite canorous electronic sound sculptors—aka Dissolved—provides production support on “Vinolence,” an alluring excursion into darker, almost industrial soundscapes, as the mood starts to shift. While “Nonesuch” includes finely woven rhythm patches and wandering synths with dub-infused glitch granules flickering in the background, “Mezo” offers classic sound design components combining with slow-motion electro/downtempo atmospheres.
As Like Phantoms comes to an end, the title track’s sweeping rhythm and expertly crafted beats and bass create a panoramic visual; transporting us to an earlier time when essential IDM artists like Proem, Bauri, Esem, Brothomstates, and others were prominently displaying blissful electronic structures with finesse. Like Phantoms provides (familiar) cutting-edge aural methods while fitting perfectly into this traditional time period.
Like Phantoms is available on Section 27. [Bandcamp]
