with his third album, aachen-based producer [basementgrrr] takes his next step: after the relaxed electronica of ‘arrival/departure’ and the rhythmic workout of ‘a certain kind of decay’ he took his time off to produce an album of immersive depth and intimate beauty. built around shuffling downbeats - mostly sounding like played on real drums - accompanied with assorted electronics, warm analogue pads, gritty bass riffs and occasional vocals, he creates a compelling and cinematic style. from the stunning cover art it is clear that this is an artist’s way of letting the listener take a peek into his soul. his gentle, but determined way is reflected in the contrast of beauty and heavy agony which permeates ‘hurt’ - sometimes within one song: ‘this is for the broken hearted’ features bulging metal riffs - before changing into a majestic synth melody. diversity is still [basementgrrr]’s trademark - vaguely trip-hop, but also with a post-rock-style elegance, allusions to kraftwerkian electronics (‘ghetto logic’) and the darker corners of the massive attack sound on ‘naked’, which also features a heartbreaking vocal performance. ‘hurt’ sounds in larger parts like a movie score (‘from a dream…’), ‘the sound of future london’ is probably the wittiest tribute in a long time and the gentle outro ‘underworld’ finishes the album on a darker tone. and yet, [basementgrrr]’s work is completely coherent and authentic, the output of thoughtful producer, far from headstrong - pure joy for the electronic heads.
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