Vestiges has a strange quality about it where a certain naivete or even a nostalgia pervades every track, manifesting in different ways across each. Oddly alluring and worth repeated listens.
Rook Vallade’s Vestiges has a strange quality about it where a certain naivete or even a nostalgia pervades every track, manifesting in different ways across each. In “Badistmp” there’s an almost dated and gated drum sound that pins down the somber synth track while percussive elements battle in the depths for dominance. “RI 25” is a slow burner, opening with something like the sound of bowed sheet metal but soon the track evolves into a post-industrial lo-fi crunk beat reminiscent of the underrated mad genius work of Ukuphambaba (look him up). ‘”Mdoe5d” sounds like Warp-era Kenny Larkin feeling the blues with its energetic beats paired against the subdued, muted synth pad that dominates many of the album’s tracks. “Aemldbr” grooves like later period Pan_Sonic with some hefty funk and scraping going on. “Rv2 28” continues in the post-industrial vein in a track that could almost be from 1995 yet doesn’t sound dated. “Gaifld” sounds like a broken music box being thrown around inside a nearly empty garbage truck. “Endtb_” closes the album out with an atmospheric piece that evolves into something almost pleasant with synth vibes and Vallade’s beloved scratchy percussion. It might’ve been nice to hear more like this across the album but despite that, Vestiges is oddly alluring and worth repeated listens.
Vestiges is available on Touchin’ Bass.
[amazonmp3 asin=”B01JIVRQ3A”]
