Heimstatt Yipotash – Belt To Blender (Digital EP – Hands)
André Matthes and Thomas Niedballa present a kind of addendum with this EP, following their fantastic 2020 album “Brinkmanship”. It serves as a deeply committed and critical reflection on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Musically and in terms of influences, many of the same elements from the album are present. The German duo continues to explore Industrial and D’n’B structures, but also ventures into quieter realms such as Ambient. Along the way, we encounter beautiful string arrangements, and later the journey shifts toward IDM territory.
The EP offers a perfect blend of new tracks and remixes—one of which is by Ukrainian artist Kotra, also known as the head of the minimalist yet excellent label I Shall Sing Until My Land Is Free.
EPs often feel more varied than albums, and that’s certainly true of “Belt To Blender”. It adds a rich, complementary layer to their now ‘older’ album, offering both continuity and something refreshingly new. (Rating:7½).
Listen to “ Brinkmanship (без вас)”:
https://handsofficial.bandcamp.com/track/brinkmanship
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