Posted by www.dieseele.net
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Athens based
artist DSTRB released his second album "Human" on the
German label Raumklang Music today November 26th, 2020. Five years
after his debut album "Imaginary Life" released in 2015. The
description of this second release by the Greek IDM act, states: In a bleak and
faceless world, devoid of compassion and meaningful human contact, in a society
that worships material gain over collective wellbeing, "Human" aims
to disturb the illusion of systemic normality and sets out to discover the
primeval humanity that lies buried under layers of cold steel and fibre optic
cables. Something that is evident in all 12 tracks that are included here.
His electronic
experimentations kick off with "Crisis In Consiousness", where
amongst distorted beats and voice samples, a creepy dystopian atmosphere is
created. On the more somber "Depression", the urban vibes take a
low-key tone making a theme destined to evoke nighty cityscapes. Into deeper
spheres of the subconscious, the track "Είσαι Μόνος (You Are Alone)"
sets a more cyber driven journey into solitude. With "Eternal Fear"
we have a humane sentimental touch amongst all the glitches and post-industrial
soundscapes. Next is "Kill Hate", following even more this downward
spiral search of emotions.
Half-way through
we reach "Martin's Dream" where with it’s more playful beats and
samples, Dimitris Strambis presents us with a more political statement by using
bits of Martin Luther King’s famous speech. While on "Metamorphosis"
the darkness of inner search returns with a sci-fi feel. On the other hand,
with
My Silver", the warm string layers make a very
emotional track. With the urban beats and distorted vocal samples bringing a
humane touch. "Never Be Forgotten" that follows is another fine
example of DSTRB’s IDM style. The kind that is suitable for inner thought and
suitable for night rides around the city. His thoughts on religion are set on "Religion
Ist Heilbar", German for curable. Somewhat relevant in a time where
mankind is in search for truth and compassion, in opposition to the
retrospective and medieval stance of various religions. In the same vein we
have the compelling melodic "Remember This" that gradually evolves
from a monologue intro. The album ends with the lengthy rhythmic "Struggle".
A more dynamic track that brings more fierce beats to the forefront with some
almost eastern key arpeggios driving the melody.
The whole album
is a pleasurable listen. DSTRB manages with his music to suck you in. A deep
introspection that takes us from Crisis to Fear, from Love to Metamorphosis,
leading to the ultimate Struggle to leave behind the brutal and violent aspects
of ourselves in an effort for humanity to claim victory over the machine. And
this he does in heartful way. The album was written and produced by Dimitris
Strambis, mastered by Anatoly Grinberg, with the cover and artwork done by Dirk
Geiger.
Review by
Nick Drivas
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