Purelink - To / Deep
My first experience of Purelink was when I stumbled onto To / Deep (2023) by chance, shuffling on to 'Not That Deep' and falling completely in love with what the group was doing. Purelink takes cues from Detroit-style synth and ambient while sprinkling in some beat science and drum and bass for good measure. The trio are onto their third release, combined with a few outings and compilations, including one on Knekelhuis. Another reason I'm so enamoured with these 3 is they remind me of Excerpts by Detroit Escalator Co., released in 2000 on Peacefrog Records. Purelink channels the same Detroit energy into their latest project, To / Deep. One of the most significant comparisons I can make is that Purelink sound similar in production to B12, one of the UK's most famous post-rave Detroit-influenced artists. Both B12 and Purelink inhabit this cosmic, heavily synthesized science fantasy setting.
The first track on To / Deep, ‘Earth To’, is a relaxing journey down the lazy river. Drums are sublime as they beat softly in a half-time pattern aiming to allow space for these glorious waves of ever-changing atmosphere. The track sounds how the ocean feels as it washes over you, almost cleansing to listen to, like being bathed in the sea of tranquillity. Now 'Not That Deep' expands interestingly on this concept as it increases the number of aquatic sounds, so it's more closely related to something from the Lardossian Sea. Drexciyan cruiser, maybe? Purelink has gone entirely underwater by this point. They use dub-techno-style stops to create increasingly dynamic rhythms. Use phasers and delay effects to increase the scale and speed in which our ship hurtles across the sea floor. 'Maintain The Bliss' doubles on the aquatic Detroit vibes and floats under the tranquil waves. Purelink decides to modulate several different shakers, just going around the stereo field and what sounds like white noise completing the illusion of the sea. Purelink achieves the song title as they create malaise, a warming atmosphere to sit in and meditate within. Lastly, 'Head On A Swivel' Incorporates the most percussive elements into its runtime that we've seen on the release. Despite this fact is still quite a minimal affair. Jittering percussion Crashes through the hazy drones giving a hint of aggression, and recedes behind those very same drones, almost to say they were testing the waters. Purelink is increasingly wary about not having the breaks repeated, and this is an excellent game to undertake when the track’s over 9 minutes long. They have kept it fresh throughout the extended runtime, even as they restrict themselves to the most minimal musical elements.
Purelink has expanded nicely on a genre that already enjoys great esteem and praise from many individuals, such as Pitchfork and Resident Advisor. And while this is seen as a snapshot into this sort of Detroit synth and ambience combo, the group does a great job of indoctrinating new listeners into this retro-futuristic world. They pay homage to greats of the genre without stepping on their toes. Purelink’s swelling aquatic sounds and ambient drones combined with spares percussion and slick Detroit synths are not one to miss.
Tracklist:
Earth To
Not That Deep
Maintain The Bliss
Head On A Swivel
Label: NAFF
Purelink - To / Deep
