The strictures of electro mean that individualism can be difficult to achieve. With Yskayan Knowledge, Hecht not only expresses himself in a unique manner, the Leipzig musician is proving that the sounds of frigid funk are wide and varied.
The sounds of frigid funk
To run a record label is a labor of love. To run a vinyl label is beyond brave, to run two imprints borders the realms of madness. Robyrt Hecht is a musician who goes beyond this second category. If he’s not creating his own music, the Leipzig artist is running YUYAY Records, co-running Clear Memory, managing a record shop and even flirting with hosting the odd night here and there. Certifiably dedicated.
It was to YUYAH that Hecht returned just before Christmas for six tracks in the shape of Yskayan Knowledge with “Is It For Sale Or Is It Free?” opening. A playful melody is kept in time with a sharp beat, vocoder lyrics surfacing in a work of sci-fi funk. Colder tones descend with “Don’t Sell Our Knowledge”, incising percussion countered by off-kilter keys and acidic bass bulges. A theme soon becomes apart from the track titles, a musical commentary on money and our interactions with it. “Earning” employs distant synth-lines that swirl above a groove pierced by snares. Despite the electro frost that clings to the track, like the opener there is a light-hearted touch to the piece with cascading flourishes. “Exploitation / Liquidation” follows the monetary theme and like its predecessors, Hecht dares bend expectations with some wonderfully intricate composing. Key changes abound with electrofunk devil-may-care fun blending with processed samples. “There Is Nothing Wrong” brings extended notes diced with shards of speech in a clever and original work. “Knots” continues the experiment. Drum patterns are the only clean thing in this gummy reverberating work, a brooding bass stalking throughout.
The strictures of electro mean that individualism can be difficult to achieve. With Yskayan Knowledge, Hecht not only expresses himself in a unique manner, the Leipzig musician is proving that the sounds of frigid funk are wide and varied. A record that demonstrates the broad ability of an artist whose dedication is reaping rewards.
Yskayan Knowledge is available on YUYAY. [Bandcamp]
