I have a soft spot for split tapes, so seeing this new series from Solitude Solutions definitely got me hyped, especially that it brings back Rottenlava II (right after his latest release) and pairs him with experimental ambient producer Ultrafog. "Hourglass", with its flickering remnants of an IDM track that ripple steadily over a course of 5 minutes, makes me think of beatless Mount Kimbie from their "Maybes" era. "LCD" on the other hand is an amazing techno jam, nothing more nothing less, just 100% of pure sonic joy.
The tapes are super limited, and can be still purchased here. Stream below.
After a four year hiatus the Japanese cassette label Solitude Solutions returns with a new release from one of their frequent collaborators Rottenlava. After a few sessions with it, I can sense that he seems to be moving away from the deconstructed sci-fi-flavoured electronica present on his previous tape "Mother C", and instead branches out into other, equally fascinating territories. Side A is almost entirely dedicated to a mutant techno sound in the vein of Ivo Pacheco's Masha project (which I adore), so it got me hooked immediately. The 3-minute follow up "西中島シナリオセンター" slows the tempo down and channels industrial synth and drone vibe that feels very underground (literally). On side B, which is a fully fleshed out music suite, we are hit with a wall of rhythmic noise from the get go. Backed with ambient undertones the atmosphere here is actually really calming before it gradually evolves into a minimal, industrial leaning hip-hop beat. A few minutes later it is taken over by a tension building distorted piano that sets the stage for the final droning ambient outro. A lot is going on here, but it's a rewarding listen.
"Rottenlava Vs. Rottenlava II", officially scheduled for tomorrow, can be pre-ordered here, and streamed in full below.
