As the strides of 90’s IDM and ambient techno have been digested by contemporary producers, the lessons taken from that period of experimentation and glitchiness seem to be mostly that of a very glossy, clinical production–the logical result of an abstract aesthetic, often treating beats in an aerial way. While Suumhow’s Secuund is definitely rooted in that period, they also bring back a very refreshing noisy approach to this sound, as their crunchy percussion roar through most of this second offering by the Brussels, Belgium duo.
As the strides of 90’s IDM and ambient techno have been digested by contemporary producers, the lessons taken from that period of experimentation and glitchiness seem to be mostly that of a very glossy, clinical production–the logical result of an abstract aesthetic, often treating beats in an aerial way. While Suumhow’s Secuund is definitely rooted in that period, they also bring back a very refreshing noisy approach to this sound, as their crunchy percussion roar through most of this second offering by the Brussels, Belgium duo.
The opener takes no prisoner–aptly titled “Muuscl” starts Secuund with blistering, brittle noise, before coalescing into a drum beat that tries hard to escape the confines of the rhythmic grid. Soft pads have appeared in the background–we are in known territory, and yet there is something decidedly compelling and organic about the way Suumhow treat their drum-like layer.
This interplay between more conventional synth sounds and use of pads on the one hand and the distorted, industrial beats on the other hand is the fundamental aesthetic of this record. While no one will be surprised by a track like “Bora Bora,” very much par for the course in its Boards Of Canada’esque approach to sound and composition, the album moves smartly from this comfort zone to tracks like “56,” which is basically based around noisey percussion.
One of the great strengths of this release is the way that Suumhow easily get out of the loop. The arrangement is consistently good. While it is easily demonstrated on “Nachta,” the longest track on the record and a sort of summary of its sound, there are also moments like “Cabin” or “Till’inf” which take the listener on very worthwhile journeys. The different tracks on the record manage to feel both minimalistic and grandiose, harsh and mellow. Authentically good stuff!
Secuund is available on n5MD.
