AnachronicXP "Arbre and Rupture"
The latest release from AnachronicXP, a dark and beaty trip through a kaleidoscope funhouse of mirrors as only AnachronicXP can do.

Following the success of their well regarded Neurovomoteur EP, AnachronicXP have recently released a second EP. "Arbre and Rupture" is a stong showing of dark and theatrical hip-hop flavoured ambience that builds on previous work and expands on earlier ideas in a most satisfying way.

"Bas Quartiers" opens the disc with a rumbling noise that gives way to a heavy beat,while distorted bass lines bounce around the track giving it a thick and deep sound. It's an ominous begining, foreshadowing what's to come.

"Jour et Nuit" follows, nicely capturing the contrast between day and night, a stacatto sample breaking through the padded energy. Drums pound in the background at improbable speeds and a very urgent rap is performed in French. It all works together very nicely, very remeniscent of film noir, where everything has a place and a role and a sound distinct to the ideal. It's a very strong piece, very compelling.

Distorted sounds and voices open up "Monolithe Contrat", while various sci fi samples play in the background. It continues the deep soundtrack type of theatricality presented in earlier tracks, maintaining the same feeling of tension and urgency. "One single molecule can destroy thousands..." it warns us, and I for one believe every word...

"Baobab" starts with the clicking sound of a film projector, slowly losing speed and ultimately replaced by a bass line that's been distorted beyond intelligibility. Percussive elements flow through and the mood is brought further along by a deep break where underlying musical themes come to the fore.

"Piano Rompu" closes the disc, featuring a steady piano phrase that plays overtop a deep percussive track. It's a plaintive cry, something emotional and lost, something that suggests a bittersweet departure, a melancholy separation. A very chilling, and very effective way to close the disc.

With the release of "Arbre and Rupture", AnachronicXP continue to take a unique and engaging approach to music production, blending genres in imaginative and effective ways that leave the listener quite satisfied. I very much enjoy their work, and given the level of quality here, I'll be very much looking forward to their next release.

rik - ping things