Artcore Machine – Dubh (Album – Xonar Records)
Genre/Influences: Experimental, IDM, industrial.
Format: Digital, CD.
Background/Info: Set up in 2009, Artcore Machine is driven by Moreno Padoan (still running Xonar Records) and Roberto Beltrame. The Italian duo has already released a number of albums and is now back on track unleashing seven new songs.
Content: I remember Artcore Machine as a subtle fusion between different styles and that’s not that different for “Dubh”. The tracks are clearly filled with industrial sound treatments and revealing an impressive noise canvas, but there also is this subtle touch on top of the work. This album however has something more into noise, which sometimes makes me think of pure improvisation. It’s a minimal and experimental work evolving towards a kind of noise climax right at the last song.
+ + + : The sonic canvas revealed by this duo is absolutely impressive. They are sonic scientists who are more into sound manipulation and noise transformation instead of composing ‘classical’ song formats. I especially like the deep, resonating sound together with crashing percussion. Both debut songs are my personal favorites although I have to admit the noise final of the last cut also is worthy of examination.
– – – : I’ve already heard more cohesive work by this duo, the album becoming more experimental and therefore extreme.
Conclusion: “Dubh” is what I would call a truly sonic collage!
Best songs: “Hita-M”, “Dubh – Part 1”, “Xap Zwart”.
Rate: (6½).
Artist: www.facebook.com/artcoremachine
Label: www.facebook.com/xonar.lab
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