Blndr - Radiolaria

This time, Blndr plays with dents cosmic rhythms that fit together less like a puzzle, more like an intense labyrinth of bleeps, bloops, and scuttling percussion on HYPNUS045. Strong sound design is always something Blndr seems to take pride in, and it's no different on this release. Whether it be the elasticity of 'Dictyocha' that combines the sounds of sticky rice being pulled apart as a percussion element, while keeping a low tectonic rumble, but a thick atmosphere. It's the play between these two elements that really sets it apart, as the core response feels trans like and tribal, only to incorporate such futuristic sounds. The same can be said for 'Acantharia', with more inspiration drawn from acts like Boddika and his commitment to the swamp. Fake trick like synths bubble and drip continuously, creating a rather squelchy and, in some ways, uncomfortable vibe.

Needless to say, taking Blndr's intricate sound design and experimental rhythms with a pumping baseline will give you a pretty good exploratory dance record. So, it comes as no surprise that 'Retaria' takes on the mantle as a trippy head-down floor filler. Slowly evolving patterns overtake misty pads and thick fog-like atmospheres. It's deep in the dark with a surprising earth quality. It feels like the Blndr ditched the holy cosmic aesthetic this time, replacing it with more of an occult swampy one.

Finishing off the record as a strange one. For lack of a better word, it's a cybernetic offbeat tech tool that takes the Blndr sound design to another level, this time corporate rhythms that boggle the mind. The whole track runs in reverse with swift, slashing synthesisers that swipe into sparse kick drums. The truck is so alien yet feels as though it has some resemblance to machinery or technology we already know. It's Blndr's attempt at the aliens' reply to The Voyager Golden Record. As a collection of tracks, Blndr puts in a great effort, fitting seamlessly into the rest of the Hypnus discography while also having a bit of fun with experimentation. Depending on what you're looking for, most will gravitate to 'Retaria' for its uncompromising dance floor energy. Still, I recommend taking a moment either on the bus or on a stroll just to let the rest of the EP seep slowly into your ears, and you'll get a lot more out of those tracks.

Label: Hypnus Records (2025)

Blndr - Radiolaria