All of the tones used are unique and very deeply processed; one would liken it to an alien life form trying to interpret the music of earth, pulling in the elements that make sense to it and then spitting it out using its own language and technology.
The prolific Somatic Responses (click here for Igloo Magazine Profile) are back on Acroplane for a second release on their label. This time on the label’s for pay side (2009’s Mercury was on the free line). On this eight track digital release, they present a sound that is tense, jarring, and claustrophobic. All of the tones used are unique and very deeply processed; one would liken it to an alien life form trying to interpret the music of earth, pulling in the elements that make sense to it and then spitting it out using its own language and technology.
As Clone Aware is a relatively short release, there are no filler tracks and each of the pieces stands out on its own. The album starts off with the excellent “Hyperboyeee” (see audio stream below) with a simple beat and samples from one of hip hop’s better known jesters. This mutates quickly in to Somatics’ trademark dissonant synths and fractured beats. The standout track is “Falling Through Ice” (see audio stream below) with its chaotically processed vowel sounds and distorted drum sounds. Also of note is “Oddjob Dubjob” which dips into dubstep territory but carefully navigates away from all of the cliches that have been plaguing the genre. The album rounds out with “Batou Beats;” a mutated acid stomper –the fastest and most driving of the tracks featured on Clone Aware. A fitting end to a wonderful release.
Clone Aware is a must have for current fans of Somatic Responses and for those into the more crunchy and distorted side of electronic music.
Clone Aware is out now on Acroplane. [Listen | Purchase]
