DISPLACER – Moon_phase

Cold. Sharp. Kind of like Biosphere in liquid nitrogen; Autechre, but with razorblade percussions. Freezing. Piercing.

Three opening tracks introduce you to Displacer and "Moon_phase": distinctively sharp rhythm section over gloomy soundscapes. And that’s just the beginning: my favourite part of the album, 4.'Atrophied' + 5.'Wraith (L’Autre Mix)' add deeper bass (good 4D effect) and bleeping melodies – excellent contrast! Well done! Superb tempo control as well.

Then everything quiets down… this album really flows in phases… another uptempo section opened with 9.'Bits & Bytes' but closed nicely with ‘Lying In Wait’. The only major thing I don’t like on this release is a lack of track(s) without piercing percussions. Fifteen songs, all very sharp on the ear, get you tired after a while – this is not an ‘easy listening’ album. And I don’t think it is intended to be – which is good, but still… very strong stuff.
On which ch.district  adds another rhythm layer in their remix of ‘Lying in wait’ – concentrated! Beefcake reworks the ‘Moon_phase' in my taste – smooth melody, occasional samples and flowing beat. Gridlock is Gridlock – pouring thick San Francisco fog and some heavy beatblasting after 4:18 in remix of ‘Wraith’ . Good choice of people to do the remixes!

I will certainly keep an eye on Displacer – this is a promising release, although hard to follow and enjoy all of 76 minutes without stopping… What can I say, I’m old…

Interesting work Mr. Morton!