Rusuden
"Formulae" CD
Sonicterror
Recordings
Genres: electronica, IDM, techno
artist
website
Nov 17 - 23 2003 |
It
doesn't surprise me at all that Rusuden's Formulae is a
terrific album. Not at all. A criminally under-publicized
member of the IDM scene, Justin Morgan (aka Rusuden) has
already released hours of solid, engaging techno music on CDR, 12", and a number
of compilations. So in comes Formulae, the latest chapter
in his ever-expanding discography -- and it's time to celebrate.
Rusuden's style is an interestingly varied one, blending
many different styles together into his own form of
robotic-yet-beautiful electronica. Influences are plentiful, as
well; Rusuden's style takes cues from the likes of Boards of
Canada, Plaid, and even Aphex Twin to an extent,
with a bit of modern hardcore à la Venetian Snares in the
rhythm.
Much of Rusuden's album can probably be considered chill-out
/ electro-lounge material. He flawlessly plays with laidback,
flowing basslines and melody, incorporating meaty yet never
out-of-place beats to round things out. There are many standout songs.
Opener "GITD Trea Cylm" (traditional IDM song title, huh?)
is a beautiful piece of Plaid-esque ambient/techno
crossover. "Migrate & Molt," meanwhile, is a
beautiful piece of BOC-style melodic IDM, and "Ana Appears
Normal [abnormal mix]" is a fine slice of mesmerizing, molten electro.
Formulae is a great album. It is intense and extremely
listenable, and will find a spot in your stereo for weeks on end.
Buy it.
88%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 12 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |