Anthony Child - Perpetual Rotation

31 Oct

For the longest time, the Birmingham legend and godfather of UK techno has stuck to his moniker of Surgeon, but these days, Anthony Child seems as comfortable using his name. That isn't to say there isn't a distinction. Surgeon deals with the dancefloor. Earthshattering techno is always on the menu when he steps up as a DJ or manning his now-famous Eurorack rig. Anthony Child, on the other hand, is almost the complete opposite. Cognitive storytelling through sound is the aim. He focuses his workflow on the minimal side of production and gear. After a storied relationship evolved between Childs and the esoteric electronic instrument manufacturer SOMA Labs, videos of Child praising and using the equipment became widespread. He became an unofficial brand ambassador. Logic would dictate that, now SOMA Labs have a label, Anthony Child would be the first release, so Perpetual Motion (2023) was born.

'Turn on to the Hall of Perpetual Rotation' bridges the gap between ambient and drone in a way that invites exploration of texture with subtle melodies. Mixes of melancholic chords and metallic nods to industry sing in beautiful harmony. Child invites retrospection through fuzzy reverberations that coat sounds like a layer of soot, stubborn but with glimpses of humanity nestled under the surface. Much more chilling and scientific, Child composes 'Awkward Heels Forward' with layers of equipment, hum, and electrical noise. Tape warble attempts communication, mimicking phrasing or speech. A much darker tone surrounds this piece, partly due to its inhuman nature and partly because of its unclear motivations.

The folky melodies of 'Seven Swimming Sea Turtles' conjure up visions of harmonicas and accordions that fill the track, modulating between notes like an attempt at jazz. It's disjointed, almost atonal, as it shuffles through frequencies rather than notes. Rich eldritch growls slowly erupt from bellow rising, slowly at first, growing thunderously, filling the void. As 'Ancient Parade of Flickering Lights' moves into its first act, those roars are transformed into something far more ambivalent, almost angelic. Horns and plucks sound off with the same freedom as in 'Seven Swimming Sea Turtles'. Bending sheet metal mimics the sound of storms crashing all around. Child returns to the centre. Droning notes morph into chords and sustain modulating.

Tracklist: