Metrist - Arka / Thatbues
Suppose I were a summarise Metrist for someone who'd never heard of him. In that case, he operates on the intersection between crackpot IDM and grimy UK techno. With a back catalogue filled with wonky dance floor weapons, Metrist is in a perpetual state of motion, constantly experimenting with new sonic ideas and, for the most part, pulling them off. His latest release, Acka/Thatbues on Local Action Records, is full of visceral rhythms and crazy but immersive energy.
Metrist blends tribalism and grimy synths for an exhilarating and pulse-pounding experience. Each rhythmic layer is chocked full of lasers and syncopated wooden percussion, and these heavy 808s, along with the kitchen sink—anything that will make it dance are in this record. Metrist's 'Acka' is a super physical track. There's a real uncanny festival vibe, and heaps of Latin energy permeate the rhythm and drum throughout this record. 'Thatbues' achieves a similar outcome with a different approach. It retains tribal with layers of percussion, but its production is more straightforward, focusing on the powerful beating of the kick. The result? An uncontrollable response from the body, like a fight or flight, where fight is dance and flight is also dance. 'Thatbues' feels practically predatory and taps into an innate and instinctual need to move. There are little nuggets of ear candy for most perceptive people who are patient enough to dissect these layer by layer, making for a much more immersive track when given time. If you want to make the dance floor gyrate with pure animalistic energy, Metrist has your back with this one.
Tracklist:
Acka
Thatbues
Label: Local Action Records (2024)
Metrist - Arka / Thatbues