Music which has all but the rudimentary ties to humanity stripped out of it. The machines have a dialogue and language all of their own and Mr. Devine speaks it well.
Risp is machine music. Music which has all but the rudimentary ties to humanity stripped out of it. The machines have a dialogue and language all of their own and Mr. Devine speaks it well. Starting with the DSP wizardry of “Oxin2lin;” a barrage of constantly changing and morphing mechanical tones, Risp is an exercise in pushing equipment to its limit. While this is very interesting from a technical perspective—there is a sense of coldness and emotional detachment. This may be by design, but for some may prevent further engagement with these pieces.
Of the three original tracks, “Varseop” is the most focused, blending its modem melodies with a steady kick drum that holds the track together. Drumcell’s remix of “Varseop” is the strongest of the tracks on this extended player and brings the track into a more minimal techno state (ala Monolake) while using enough of the original material to claim remix status.
With the constant influx of plugins and new hardware at the disposal of electronic musicians, the risk of throwing the human element out like the proverbial baby with bathwater is ever present. Risp teeters on that edge while not completely going over it.
Risp is available on Detroit Underground.
