2.14.22 by Jacob DeRaadt

I had no knowledge of this project before being sent “ANIMAL” by the label, Orb Tapes. The seven tracks are divided into “Scenes,” somehow that really appeals to me, not labeling things songs but rather a glimpse into a world.  

Right out of the gate, “The Hunt In the Woods” has a lo-fi industrial dirge that has me hypnotized, slowly dissolving into crackling whispers of broken electronic pulsations, like wires short circuiting in sewer water. There’s lots of space for the dissolving sounds to interact, some call and response with the juxtaposed textures. Each track has its own distinct flow and tonality rather than one long continuous jam session, something I can appreciate as a listener. The element that unites all of the pieces sonically is the slow, steady percussion underpinning each “scene.”

Later on there’s gently rustling detritus paired with simple digital rhythms and bowed instruments. None of the compositions overstay their welcome.  Some of them border on the cinematic, which might be a dirty word for some but is welcome to these ears. I look forward to hearing more from this project!

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