Tangent :: Approaching Complexity (n5MD), “Redundancy” video premiere

At almost an hour in length Tangent’s new album is their most complete sonically, never straying from its core essence. A quality release that in its nature is both bound to existence and is otherworldly in its simplistic beauty. “Redundancy” official video premiere at Igloo Magazine.

Imagine you have passed away but rather than finding yourself in a pearly-gated paradise or a raging inferno, your spirit continues to walk the earth, tethered to your memories. You wander the plane, re-visiting the places from your past life while questioning purpose and the meaning of your lingering, everlasting presence. What would the embodiment of that experience sound like? From the ether, Dutch duo Tangent (aka Ralph van Reijendam and Robbert Kok) have created a hauntingly beautiful and percussive glitch ballet fit for an apparition with unfinished business.

Approaching Complexity is their sophomore album release for n5MD, a label that has seen accomplished releases from the likes of Near The Parenthesis, bvdub, and Loess among others. Throughout its nine offerings, the record features a gorgeous contemplative piano that hangs in the air amidst static clicks and dense atmospheres. Its delicate touch feels both melancholic and stirring, as exemplified on tracks “Equilibrium I (II & II)” and “Awaken.” The latter cut is a fascinating work comprised of nearly inaudible whisper-song vocals and swelling ambience, its waves a thick froth of a toppled surf underneath tickled ivory. Like the rise and fall of a heavy chest, this sound leads to the track’s conclusion, an elongated departure of breath.

A similar ending can be heard on the track “Redundancy” which is complemented by the official video premiering at Igloo Magazine. Jittering frames of concrete grass animations are edited to the rhythmic snippy percussion. This is juxtaposed by images of ice cascading off a rocket launch in slow motion and vapor in reverse. See below.

At almost an hour in length Tangent’s new album is their most complete sonically, never straying from its core essence. A quality release that in its nature is both bound to existence and is otherworldly in its simplistic beauty.

Approaching Complexity is available on n5MD October 5th, 2018.