Abstract yet delicate glitch production, brisk ambient undercurrents, and crunchy rhythms form the basis of Crash_Reports as it dips into IDM of yesteryear. With Suumhow’s choreographed balance offering exquisite crunch and control, each sonic piece connects as a whole and revitalizes the exploratory world of digital signal processing beauty.
From Brussels and without much more in terms of background information, the duo known as Suumhow reveal their debut for n5MD and also receive a limited MiniDisc edition—with CD and digital also planned. The deconstructed dynamics featured on Crash_Reports rest firmly on the foundations that the Oakland-based label nurtured in their early years. Abstract yet delicate glitch production, brisk ambient undercurrents, and crunchy rhythms form the basis of Crash_Reports as it dips into IDM of yesteryear.
Soothing piano keys and sweeping cinematic ambience opens Crash_Reports via “.4″—an emotive swirl that is hypnotic perfection. “Cetii” embarks on crisp atmospheric layers and textured drones far off in the distance as organic sounds weave into and out of focus. “Dunningkruger” maintains an ebb and flow that is both fractured and timid—its melodies raising early Arovane and Phonem elements. Suumhow somehow exhibit restraint when it comes to taming their broken beats and scorched intonation—”Phoebe” and “Small Sky” are two such miniatures as they chug along with calming chaos. “Carne” brings back to mind Proem’s Burnt Plate No.1 (Hydrant, 1999) where metallic bits cycle and collide with crumpled ambient notes. And this is perhaps what Suumhow do so well, their take on corrosive, tangled, and brittle sounds meld succinctly with drifting bleeps swaying in the background—”Brus L” is another prime example and does so with ease. The highlight takes shape on “Nuence” with its breathtaking percussive cacophony and cascading lullaby chords.
Overall, Crash_Reports delivers discordant electronic soundscapes that replenishes n5MD’s early signature themes. With Suumhow’s choreographed balance offering exquisite crunch and control, each sonic piece connects as a whole and revitalizes the exploratory world of digital signal processing beauty.
Crash_Reports is available on n5MD July 27, 2018.
