Cohesive from beginning to end, Scanner’s second release for the DiN label does not disappoint—especially if you are into moody atmospheric sound experiments that defy categorization.
A slightly more uplifting tone
Prolific electronic music producer Robin Rimbaud (aka Scanner) returns for his second release on the UK based DiN imprint, titled The Homeland of Electricity. The inspiration and title are derived from Ukrainian film maker Laris Shepitko, who’s 1968 film of the same name was commissioned by the government to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the October revolution, then subsequently rejected for not showcasing enough patriotism. A bit of a departure from his previous release An Ascent which was on the darker, more brooding side of the ambient spectrum. The Homeland of Electricity showcases a slightly more uplifting tone, invoking feelings of hope and optimism in the listener.
Utilizing Elektron devices such as the Digitakt, Analog Rhythm, and Analog Four as his main palette, Scanner designs blissful bouncing arpeggios atop majestic swirling pads, combining to create a sense of anticipation or perhaps even the perception of ‘a light at the end of the tunnel‘ in these times of uncertainty that we are all living in. On the opener “You and Me” this can certainly be felt as the layers of synthesized bliss rise and fall. “Air in the Air” emerges from the shadows as chugging rhythms sit comfortably below metallic reverberated chords.
Curious experimentations with the human voice can be heard on “Another Aircraft,” “Artemovsk” and “At Last it moved into Silence” each of which make for their own unique listening experience. “Heaven Research Unlimited” then begins with randomized chiming and continues to build slowly with fuzzy, overcast pads and steady bass arp which carries the track along. One of the highlights of the record is the high flying “Acentria” providing the listener with a feeling of soaring above the atmosphere. A constantly evolving trance-like synth lead, treated with filters and delay make for an enthralling track, with a Berlin-school edge. The album then wraps up with “Traces upon Traces” slowly bringing you back into earths orbit.
Cohesive from beginning to end, Scanner’s second release for DiN does not disappoint—especially if you are into moody atmospheric sound experiments that defy categorization. While most of the tracks don’t contain proper beats per-say, an underlying pulse can be felt all through the album giving it lots of character, with inspiration that can be felt through the speakers.
The Homeland of Electricity is available on DiN. [Bandcamp]
