On ACEN037, All Centre favourite Duswunder returns to the label. Following 2020’s Plated Body, he delivers a new 5 track EP. The record explores adrenaline, fictitious aesthetics and bodily imaginations, embracing the anticipation, ecstasy and anxiety of the reopening world.
The record begins with the atmospheric opening track Tensing Limbs. Easing in at a slow, crawling pace, haunting choirs soar above echoing sub bass. The emergence of shining, metallic hi-hats gives us a taste of the percussive work to come, as overdriven bass punches between the rising voices.
Next, whirring sound design kicks off Bound In Twisted Geometry. A minimal introduction led by pitch-shifted cymbals gives way to thumping percussion and clanging bass hits before the emergence of a wonky, off-kilter melody. The track continues apace, conjuring an otherworldly track which retains Duswunder’s club sensibilities.
The energy rises on Chamber, with electro-inspired percussion shifting around masterful pieces of sound design. The intensity of the track engulfs the listener through the constant rising and falling of synths before giving way to a colossal plucked melody. Duswunder then launches us back into an arresting percussive workout anchored by pitch-shifting basslines.
Referring back to the title of his previous record, Still Plated retains elements of Duswunder’s previous work whilst pushing the envelope forward. Driving bass hits and stuttering kicks provide the foundation for slippery percussive patterns and an eerie echoing melody. A towering synth reminiscent of early grime records then emerges, soaring between unsteady percussive patterns.
Finally, Duswunder closes the record with Stamina. The tempo lowers slightly but the energy doesn’t let up, as dancefloor-ready percussion introduces us to the track. Suddenly, all elements drop away as a precision-engineered, ultra-low bassline emerges. Gradually drums are reintroduced as a soaring synth melody brings us back to the affective heights of the record, punctuated by mangled bass stabs.
Adrenal Vision is out across all platforms on the 6th May.
Clobbering, nearly industrial bass music with beats as big as the smoldering sun surrounded by charred electronics. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 23, 2024