From KUF in Berlin, we have Yield (MACRO M69) with a kayak on the cover and a dozen tracks, an enjoyable enough set of electronica instrumentals made with synths, bass, and plenty of samples and edits…it’s those devices that rise to the fore on today’s spin, although it’s not 100% synthetic and the trio of Hendrik Havekost, Valentin Link and Tom Schneider do play real drums, double bass, and bass guitar along with their synths. Not sure…do like the fast-moving direction of these lively tracks, the very “clean” sound which is probably an after-burn from all the digital processing, and the dynamics of their mixage. Not so keen on the slightly ironic and distant vibe, perhaps created by the wallpaper of their non-melodies and the vocal samples which fail to amount to real lyrics, providing only short clipped statements in inhuman voices. The music never really heats up into an uncontrollable riot, and the players lean on “wacky” detuned sounds when they can’t think what to do next. Still, they’re very able players with a lot of studio skill. As breakbeat / techno goes (as some online consumers label this music), this ancient listener found it approachable and jolly. This is their fourth album for the label, starting in 2016 with Gold, but they also created a mini-album for Blabar in 2014. Rashad Becker mastering; vinyl edition also available. (21/02/2023)
From Samuel Rohrer we have Codes of Nature (ARJUNAMUSIC AMEL-LP724), a double-12 incher of beats with mild electronica tones…this Swiss drummer has settled in Berlin where he also happens to run his own label Arjunamusic Records since 2012, which appears to be a vanity imprint for himself and associated projects such as Ambiq and Dark Star Safari. For some reason I was intrigued by this when it first arrived, but on today’s spin I can’t see the point of it. Considering his drumming skills, it might seem reasonable to hope for a bit more tension and punch in these rhythms, but the music – strangely anonymous and unengaging – just dribbles out and meanders around in a slack, directionless fashion. (28/02/2023)