Artist: Volt 9000
Title: Conopoly
Genre: Electronic
Release Date: 4th June 2013
Label: Artoffact Records
Album Review
Well, it seems as if there's somewhat of a genetic predisposition for creating electronic music working outside the standard formula of what people think this genre should sound like. Cory Gorski and Andrew Dobbels with already a couple of self-released albums under their belt have established a unique sound which is now lifted to the next level on their first album for the Artoffact label, named 'Conopoly'. To describe the sound means to do some namedropping which I'm usually not a fan of. Just imagine the OHGR sound harking back to 8-bit retro sound design in a total immersion with decay. The 'Game Of Drones' introduces to the trip into that futuristic retro labyrinth of an album where an unexpected shift is always around the corner and never to be expected. The clean, thumping synth drums mingle flawlessly with the gritty vocal parts. The road from here on leads straight into the 'Tower' with claustrophobic soundscapes evoking and mean daring around twisted metallic drums to the sound of a dystopian mantra.
What is so unsettling about the 'Illuminist' track isn't so much about the construct of clattering drums to remotely remind you of a dance track, it is rather the way the vocals are being used on this one; hissing like a snake at times they're made to rip the matrix your ideal world is made of to shreds and replace it with stark reality. Continuing the journey of challenging scapes is the sample-laden 'How To Make A Monster' using a 'Toybox' and look what comes out of the bold experiment. Well, bold might be a little harsh since the modern world we blindly accepted to live in without overseeing the consequences is the result. The only reason this house of cards for all the world to see hasn't long folded is that we at some point have chosen to see it as an impenetrable fortress, needing to fear and obey before its almighty presence. Pacifism is the wrong answer. Honestly reading through reports of the project's past efforts and listening to some of the older stuff made me expect something substantially different than what was eventually unfolding with 'Conopoly'.
It seems to me the duo has deliberately traded in accessibility for a rather challenging and ultimately more rewarding listening experience. It means the audience will have to deal more closely with the themes and dig through the layers first before getting to the core of it all. A very good record in my book.
Tracklist
01. Game Of Drones
02. Tower
03. Illuminist
04. Speak And Spell
05. Echodrone
06. Pipe Dreams
07. How To Make A Monster
08. Toybox
09. House Of Cards
10. Conopoly
Line-up
Cory Gorski & Andrew Dobbels
Website
http://www.volt9000.com / https://www.facebook.com/volt9000
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 8
Sound: 8
Extras: -
Total: 8 / 10
