Swarm Intelligence – Ultraware (EP – Voitax)
Genre/Influences: IDM, experimental.
Format: Digital, Vinyl.
Background/Info: Swarm Intelligence is the project of Simon Hayes. He’s already active under this moniker since 2006 and has released noticeable productions featuring albums on the defunct Ad Noiseam. Voitax released the last full length of the project in 2018 and here’s a new 12” featuring four new songs. The main idea behind this production is to revisit or rework ‘some classic rave frameworks for dancefloors of the future’.
Content: I always experienced this project as the fusion between different elements and influences. It’s not that different on “Ultraware”, which takes off with a sonic fusion between IDM and rougher industrial music. The tracks are elaborated, but especially “Cybernetic” appears to be a real noticeable song revealing the sound intelligence of this artist. The songs still have something bombastic and dynamic while supported with a dark layer.
+ + + : The mix of intelligent sound treatments and unpolished industrial elements is successful. The sophisticated format of the production however emerges at the surface, revealing alluring, dark bass lines, multiple cool effects and danceable tracks.
– – – : I’m just a bit skeptical about the possible impact of this 12” on the dancefloors of the future. It’s a great production, but not exactly the one you’re waiting for to dance on.
Conclusion: Swarm Intelligence moves on releasing new and creative productions, which stands for the darker side of IDM!
Best songs: “Cybernetic”, “Rise Of The Machine”.
Rate: (7½).
Artist: www.swarmintelligence.net / www.facebook.com/swarmintell
Label: www.voitax.com / www.facebook.com/Voitax
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