Solar X :: Masters Of Meanders (Ant-Zen)

Masters Of Meanders threads together the past with forward-thinking precision that’s as timeless as it is innovative.

Mechanical rhythms and elegantly sculpted melodies

Roman Belavkin, a pioneering force behind abstract electronic music as Solar X—”father of the Russian IDM scene“—and the visionary founder of Art-Tek Records, home to such notables as Novel 23, Lazyfish, EU, and Mewark, has long been synonymous with cutting-edge analog-funk syncopation and robotic experimentation. His label, known for releasing some of the most iconic IDM gems, has left an indelible mark on the genre.

With Masters Of Meanders—now available on Ant-Zen, founded in 1993—Belavkin crafts an eight-track foray with some of its tracks released years ago as part of the excellent Travel Sickness 8×3″ CD box set on Hymen Records in 2006—retaining the classic butterfly insignia.

Through mechanical rhythms and elegantly sculpted melodies that pay homage to the early days of IDM and braindance, Solar X continues to propel his signature soundscapes into uncharted terrain. Each piece bursts with relentless sonic acrobatics—whether it’s the fragmented electro pulse of “Tetraxedron,” the warm, nostalgic synth haze of “Pa de deux de Baboon,” the orchestral fizz of “High Breath Ubu,” or the introspective minimalism of “Closely oxe”—Masters Of Meanders threads together the past with forward-thinking precision that’s as timeless as it is innovative. Back-and-forth, and forging ahead with refined electrical wonders; cheers to the art of teknology!

Masters Of Meanders is available on Ant-Zen. [Bandcamp]