Genre/Influences: Dark-Ambient.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: Nicolas Druoton strikes back with a new work of his 2methyl project. After having experimented with different music genres -often related to IDM, and having worked with different labels, the new album announces a new direction while it has been self-released.

Content: 2methyl reinvented its sound and approach exploring the wider fields of dark-Ambient music. Noises like thunder, low sound resonations, piano-like play, Industrial loops and freaky sound atmospheres are hanging over this work.

+ + + : 2methyl reveals a totally different side of its creation. This is an album driven by Dark-Ambient vives and feeling like announcing a new direction for the French artist. The tracks are extremely dark like creating the illusion to escape from the depths of the earth. The writing excels in multiple sound details revealing an impressive sonic welfare which must be the legacy of previous IDM productions. The piano playing creates an extra touch of desolation on top of this poignant composition.

– – – : I can’t say there’s an absolute climax among the tracklist.

Conclusion: 2methyl feels comfortable dealing with multiple music genres and this Dark-Ambient production opens already new sonic horizons. I would like to encourage the artist to move on this path.

Best songs: “Isostatic Pressing”, “Cold Collisions”, “Emerald Smoke”.

Rate: 7½.

Artist: http://2methyl.net / www.facebook.com/2methylbulbe1ol

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial, Jazz, Experimental, Glitch, D’n’B.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: French artist Nicolas Druoton aka 2methyl strikes back with the third full length album in history, which has been released three years after the astonishing “Etched” (2017). He now joined hands together with the Japanese label, Murder Channel Records.

Content: 2methyl is not exactly an artist who is repeating himself. Every album stands for evolution; the exploration of new ideas while holding on a solid basis. It all remains a sophisticated and intelligent production, which sounds more as the result of different influences instead of one established music style. There’s an Industrial sound which has been merged with Jazzy influences and a true Cinematographic style. In the end it all sounds pretty Experimental, but accessible. Notice by the way there’s a surprising cover version of a song by Tom Waits.

+ + + : 2methyl has something of a visionary artist; a project that never stagnates, but looks forward to see if there’s something new visible at the horizon. I’m not saying this work is pure Industrial-Jazz, but I’m sure it will please some Jazz lovers. I like these kinds of challenges, the work remaining complex and not always easy to catch. This is a mix of influences, sometimes even becoming a little bit psychedelic. I however have to say the cover version of “Just The Right Bullets” is a real dreamy and beauty adaptation.

– – – : It’s the first 2methyl production, which can’t totally convince me. This is difficult music, but even after a few listening I have some difficulties getting into it.

Conclusion: I don’t have anything against complexity, but this work is maybe a bit too sophisticated and hard to seize. 

Best songs: “Just The Right Bullets”, “Harbor Fog”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/2methylbulbe1ol

Label: http://mxcxhxcx.cocolog-nifty.com /

www.facebook.com/MxCxJPN

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: IDM, industrial, experimental, dark-electro.

Background/Info: French artist Nicolas Druoton has already released impressive productions and is now back on track unleashing this 4-tracks EP, which also is the first one released by Subtrakt.  

Content: “Antlia” is more versatile and that’s probably because of the multiple influences running through the tracks. It moves from pure industrial hardcore towards dark-electro and IDM. It’ feels like a sonic battle between electronics and guitar, but in the end the tracks are pretty coherent.

+ + + : 2Methyl remains a particular experience in sound; a bit atypical and definitely original. I also like the fact this artist doesn’t really repeat himself, but always explores new ideas. This is of course an industrial work, but with a wider canvas of influences and that’s precisely what makes the strength of this project. The songs reveal a great production work and are all powerful.

– – – : I can imagine it’s not always the most accessible production to discover.

Conclusion: 2Methyl sounds a bit like an industrial artist thinking out of the box and that’s what this scene needs a bit more!

Best songs: “Reset For Nothing”, “Codex For Los”.

Rate: (8).

Artist: http://2methyl.net / www.facebook.com/2methylbulbe1ol

Label: www.subtrakt.net / www.facebook.com/subtrakt.berlin   

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Industrial d’n’b – breakcore.

Background/Info: American artist Lynn Standafer has already been active for numerous years now under the End.user moniker. He released an impressive number of works on respected labels such as Hymen Records, Ad Noiseam, Ohm Resistance and of course Hands. This new work rather appears to be a mini-album of 7 tracks instead of an EP.

Content: End.user hasn’t really changed its good-old sound formula, which remains inspired by the dynamics of d’n’b. It also sounds like a dark and industrial format while the heaviest cuts are more into breakcore.

One track is featuring 2methyl while another one features Trash.Eater.

+ + + : End.user sounds a bit apart from the ‘standard’ Hands bands. But d’n’b and industrial music have some common elements and especially in the ‘violence’ of the production. It also remains a dark production carried by terrific low, blasting sounds. But the work also reveals a few subtleties such as refined sequences. I here refer to the somewhat “X-Files” tune running through “Cracked Mirror” feat. Trash.Eater. I also like the track made together with 2methyl.

– – – : You really have to like the main ingredients of d’n’b to enjoy this work.

Conclusion: End.user is the kind of project appealing to a very diversified audience. It makes the strength of this new work, but also the main particularity. It’s hard to say if this band is really into ‘industrial’, but it will appeal for some lovers.

Best songs: “State Of Process”, “Rotation feat. 2methyl”, “Cracked Mirror feat. Trash.Eater”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/sonicterror

Label: www.handsproductions.com / www.facebook.com/hands.official

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: IDM, dubstep, electro-industrial, industrial-jazz, d’n’b.

Background/Info: French solo-artist Nicolas Druoton is back on track unleashing his second official opus. After the great “Layer 8” released in 2015 on Ad Noiseam he now joined hands together with Agnost1k for this new opus. Notice by the way the label decided to release the CD version as a special gold edition, which is a handcrafted CD box limited to 50 copies. All the boxes include a special artwork poster card to support the work of the designer.

Content: “Etched” moves on there where “Layer 8” stopped. The production becomes more sophisticated and revealing an impressive arsenal of influences. Slow and bombastic rhythms have been joined by great sound treatments, which are now into electro-industrial music and then into more evasive space-like atmospheres. Blasting sounds and crashing noises have been accomplished by refined, icy bleeps. There even is a kind of jazzy piano arrangement running through one of the songs.

+ + + : 2Methyl is not exactly dealing with one established genre, but appears to be a sonic osmosis of electronics, industrial, IDM, dubstep, ambient, d’n’b and even jazz. All influences are simply coming together in a harmonious and intelligent composition. There’s a nice twist between bombastic elements and refined bleeps. I like a harder cut like “Tech2”, but also a more sophisticated cut like “Cross”. It illustrates the creative spirit of this artist who also dares to experiment with jazzy elements. Last, but not least I’ve to express my respect for the great artwork of this handcrafted box. It reminds me of the good-old days where artists were more into real creation and originality.

– – – : There’re maybe one or two cuts which can’t fully convince me, but you don’t hear me complaining. “Etched” is probably one of the best releases of the year at the wider fields of industrial music!

Conclusion: 2Methyl simply confirms the great composing skills which were already shown on previous productions. The sound is accomplished, intelligent and original. It’s also true for the artwork so this work is a must have!

Best songs: “Tech2”, “Arc”, “Cross”, “Germanium”, “Lost frames”, “Smell Of Decay”.

Rate: (9).

Band: http://2methyl.net / www.facebook.com/2methylbulbe1ol

Label: www.facebook.com/Agnost1k

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

2Methyl was previously known as 2methylbulbe1ol. Set up in 2008 by French artist Nicolas Druoton the project developed an intricate, intense and particularly sharp sound, which found its inspiration in the sonic realms of dubstep, d’n’b, IDM, industrial, ambient and even jazz. 2Methyl released multiple EP’s while the debut full length “Layer 8” (2015) released on Ad Noiseam was an intelligent and successful work. 2Methyl is now back on track unleashing the brilliant and visionary “Etched” on Agnost1k Recordings. The CD format is strictly limited, but I can assure you it’s a real artistic piece you simply want to get in addition of your collection. Time to know a bit more about this great project.

(by Inferno Sound Diaries)

Q: I think you’ve been involved into other music genres before you set up 2Methyl, right? Tell us a bit more about your music background and how did you get in touch with electronic music, which finally lead you to found 2Methyl?

Nico: Basically it’s the pretty common ‘rock – metal – electronic music’ trajectory. I took classical guitar lessons during my childhood for about 10 years. I switched to electric guitar and really discovered electronic music when I wanted to program drum patterns. It’s a strange way because it really comes from gears. This piece of equipment can make this kind of sounds, this sampler is handy for jungle… Ok but… what’s jungle music? Interesting! And I started writing tunes, experimenting things and instead of switching my amp on, I pressed the drum-machine button.

Q: It maybe explains why I experience your music as an osmosis between numerous genres such as industrial, electronics, IDM, dubstep, d’n’b and even a flavor of jazz on the new work. How would you analyze your own sound and what are for you the most important aspects of this sound?

Nico: I don’t really listen to electronic music and I’m not stuck in a kind of genre. I’m more into building an atmosphere. Is it slow, is it broken, is it peaceful? And I picked an appropriate style of music.

About my own sound, for me it’s all about density, usually lot of layers and focalizing on low end. I like when the tune is like a mechanical system. Something happens and something else reacts to it. The most important aspect to me is to achieve something immersive, when you can fell you’re in middle of something.

Q: What can you say about the evolution and eventually changes from your early work and the debut album “Layer 8” towards the new album “Etched”?

Nico: The landscape is not the same. For each EP or album I try to describe a distinct environment. “Layer 8” was synthetic and ‘futuristic’. For “Etched” I wanted something more ‘Lo Tech’ and natural. So I cranked up the distortion and lower the tempo. So I don’t know if it’s an evolution. It’s something else.

Q: Tell us a bit more about “Etched” regarding elements such as writing/production/mixing process, equipment you used etc?

Nico: On stage I sometimes perform with my friend Youlé who played the drums. We adapt existing tunes to make it playable and work more as a rock band. This process and sessions of ‘training’ were like a big inspiration to me. So for this album I wrote some drum parts and we recorded it on a real drum-set.

I wanted a more ‘acoustic sound’, a process less ‘in the box’, with just a computer. I used instruments (guitars, custom made instruments by Youlé), field recordings, modular synths and a good amount of distortion and reverb.

Q: The ‘industrial’ package of “Etched” is absolutely artistic and I can imagine a kind of ‘dream’ for an artist. Tell us a bit more about this concept and what does it mean to you?

Nico: Yes it’s awesome! I really like the fact you have to deal with 4 screws before you can finally access to the CD. It’s a massive box with golden metal parts manufactured by regional craftsmen, including a social company who support handicap in Switzerland. The artwork was made by Okiko who put pictures on my music for 10 years now.

it’s Agnost1k Record’s physical response to the digital world. For me it means a lot. As a musician I’m really proud to have my tunes in a gorgeous package like this, and as music lover it’s heartwarming seeing a label putting this amount of work to promote artists work.

Q: You also released a few EP’s on vinyl format. What makes the attraction of a vinyl format in times where people are mainly using streaming platforms?

Nico: According to a study, something like 50% of people who buy vinyls don’t even listen to it. So obviously it’s not really just about listening to the music. It’s collecting nice objects, 12” artworks, colored pieces of plastic, showing some love. Maybe it’s also about the ritual, pick the disk, put it on the turntable.

It’s hard to create a link with a streaming platform. Do you remember when you get this CD/vinyl?  Do you remember when you put on the play button on Spotify?

Courtesy by Inferno Sound Diaries

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: IDM, d’n’b, experimental, dubstep, industrial.

Content: Last year 2methyl joined Ad Noiseam to unleash the EP “Orb”. At that time this French solo-project set up by Nicolas Druoton was active under the name 2methylBulbe1ol, which has been now reduced to 2methyl.

“Layer 8” is the first official full length by this project, which sound-wise is hard to define. This project clearly sounds inspired by d’n’b, but it rapidly becomes clear that there’s much more running through the compositions. The writing is sophisticated and much more than the usual blasting d’n’b vibes driven by energetic drum patterns and deep, vibrating bass lines.

2methyl deals with a complex, but accessible sound, which reassembles industrial- ambient, dubstep- and IDM elements. There are even some vague EBM-minded elements running through some sequences. In this way “Layer 8” became a kind of sonic chemistry made of multiple elements. The main inspiration remains a solid d’n’b basis, but constantly morphs through the fusion with other sources of inspiration.

It creates a diverse production revealing numerous fascinating cuts. “Highway” takes off with great electronic sequences and industrial treatments, which are joined by an energetic rhythm. This cadence moves over into the heavier and faster d’n’b-like “Fragments”. Both songs are complementary, but still show the impressive potential of the work.

There’s a kind of harmonious twist between softer- and harder cuts. The work becomes a bit more IDM-minded when it’s softer, but it remains impossible to speak about an established music genre. 2methyl is the osmosis between different styles and that’s maybe why it becomes a little experimental as well.

All I can say is that this album is absolutely worthy of examination. There’s not a lot to throw away. From the great opening cuts to the intelligence of “Lab” to harder pieces like “Mainframe” and “Dive” to the darker final cut “So Called Void” this work is a visionary exploration in sounds, rhythms and atmospheres.

Conclusion: This album must be a kind of consecration for this band, which is already has been active for a couple of years now. “Layer 8” is a sensational and fully accomplished work, which deserves an award for its creativity.

Best songs: “So Called Void”, “Highway”, “Dive”, “Fragments”, “Lab”, “Mainframe”.

Rate: (DP:8½)DP.

Band: www.facebook.com/2methylbulbe1ol

Label: www.adnoiseam.net / www.facebook.com/adnoiseam

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com