His Master’s Voice - Wir sind alle ungleich

27 Sept

Borrowing from the past and adding new edgy grit isn't a new revelation. In fact, it's one of the oldest tricks in the book, but where the latest release from His Masters Voice (HMV) differs is where it takes from the past. His master's voice, or Jaines Bomt, can be thought of as hard to find, most likely due to the unfortunate naming conventions held by a popular record distributor in the UK, but that doesn't stop our HMV from challenging listeners and recapturing the magic of the Drexciyans is no small task, but HMV manages with ease. Within the underground scene, HMV's collaborative work with Vril speaks for itself. Clearly a talented musician in his own right, the German composer releases on Delsin, further proving his credentials. The latest release, 'Wir sind alle ungleich', isn't too much of A far cry from the sound we've come to expect. What is nice to see is a more accessible and playful dabbling with genre. This time, we see a blend of electro, ghetto, and tech, all elevating his master's voice sound until I knew the stratosphere of playful storytelling.

808s lay a heavy foundation that HMV operates on. 'Circles' catalogues the descent into the abyss like falling from an oil rig into the ocean. Muted pads flavour the track and wicked aggressive rhythms groove. Bubbles escape the sinking machinery that falls to the seabed with you while Sonar searches for life. Moving into the more sinister depths, 'Unfluffy Clouds' takes roughed-up house stabs to another level. Totally swung off-kilter and murky as a swamp. The crushing low-end tops off this distinct whirlpool of a cut.

His Master's Voice evokes wonder and intrigue with soft piano melodies as we enter the home of the Drexciyans. The bass quakes like a Subterranean tectonic plate on 'Golo The Demon', giving a more aggressive and deliberate energy. Sirens of immediate danger sound with the confusion of natural disasters expressed through psychedelic arpeggios. The ghetto bass elements keep everything aggressive yet light and fun. Rave hoovers recontextualised into a ghetto underwater weapon. Hissing pistons muffle the deep Lovecraftian vocals on 'Thunderdome OG Flynt'. The screeching atmosphere swells and distinctly analogue make up the character of the last cut. Detuned descending low-end creates an imposing groove. HMV opts for rough and ready stylised vocals with NPC characteristics like early footwork or ghetto records. Unforgiving distortion textures the whole track in soft chaos.

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