Overall, a serene and captivating EP from a granular glitch’n IDM genre bender and highly recommended for fans of exm, Autechre, and Arovane.
Glitch and subtle stitching of blips and bleeps
For a number of years, James Long, also known as vcam, has morphed experimental electronics—most notably with n5MD and independently. As the initial track “init_” drops, his gloomy sound sculptures for High Grade Media continue to provide magnetic tones and drones. Long finds consolation and comfort in these dark soundtracks. On the title track, extended rhythms bend and twist around metallic and modular acrobatics, somehow crunching their way through technoid flutter and debris. The downtempo glitch and subtle stitching of blips and bleeps remain.
Surrounding us on “hexfold” are flowing echoes and Subotnick-like data processing, while “ele” moves through minimal electrical sound fields drenched in melancholy and pitter-patter beats. Vcam’s characteristic sound palette, with its detuned melodic fibers, grows and contracts on “seminul,” closing on well-known ground. Overall, a serene and captivating EP from a granular glitch’n IDM genre bender and highly recommended for fans of exm, Autechre, and Arovane.
Concavity is available on High Grade Media. [Bandcamp]
