Published by Davide Pappalardo on July 20, 2018
Samuel Kerridge is one of the most important names in the current experimental techno scene, co-founder with his wife Hayley Kerridge of the Contort imprint and author of ever evolving music in which noise, techno, abstract elements, distorted sounds and vocals, EBM bass-lines and IDM structures have paved his road toward success in both the underground scene and the techno world as a whole. Starting from his last EP The Silence Between Us, and coincidentally with his return to Manchester after years spent in Berlin, his sound has experienced a turn toward less noisy and abrasive sound in favor of more redefined rhythmic structures and IDM-inspired syncopated movements. That’s not to say he became an Aphex Twin clone or a simple maker of abstruse rhythms, industrial elements and chaotic moments are still at play in his music keeping his own unmistakable identity.
Now he returns on Downwards Records (Regis and Female‘s label where many of his works have been published during the years) with the 4-track EP The I is Nothing, Here he continues on the path started in the aforementioned previous release, adding drum ‘n’ bass influences, electro vibes and modular sounds to the equation, while keeping adventurous rhythmic patterns and EBM bass-lines. The result is something familiar and at the same time unique and personal.
Silent notes starts with eerie strings, then adding syncopated rhythmic obsessions and shrilling bass-lines, while the melancholic melodies underline the captivating track. Sudden stops and changes of directions surprise the listener, driving him through modular soundscapes. Fascination sustains employs minimal beats and dissonant lines, playing with the possibilities of stripped down sounds and looping layers. The result is an episode recalling 90’s experiments in techno music with IDM and ambient elements.
Propagates of desire features Aaron Turner of Isis on vocals, conjuring a grim dark techno affair with narrative spoken words and sci-fi developments and droning synth-sounds. A crawling number in which dry rhythms and dystopian soundscapes dominates the track. In the second half sudden evocative melodies enriches the aural experiences, once again recalling 90’s elements in a modern setting. Actuality repeats ends the EP with its modular synths and distorted ambiances, casting a surreal mantra with electro vibes and the usual captivating lines perfectly placed among the skilfully structured alternation of obsessive patterns and sudden stops. Once again evocative soundscapes enforce the rhythmic path, balancing the two natures of the episode.
Kerridge’s music keep changing while staying true to itself, effortlessly fusing experimental takes and traditional techno elements, looking both at the past of electronic music, the present made of crossovers and mixing of genres, and the future toward which he is probably heading thanks to his vision. Never afraid of following his own muse and inspiration, the English producer is still a unique entity in the techno panorama. We will for sure keep following his ever interesting ventures.
Label: Downwards Records
Rating: 9