Sideproject

The idea that "UK bass" is no longer intrinsically tied to the United Kingdom — either by its origins or stylistic boundaries — has been clear since the days of artists like Aïsha Devi and Fatima Al Qadiri. It’s fitting, then, that one of the year’s most exciting entries in the genre comes from Iceland. Sideproject, a trio of Reykjavik musicians — Atli Finnsson, Hjálmar Karlsson, and Örlygur Steinar Arnalds, known for their contributions to Björk’s "Fossora" — delivers an electrifying and evocative third album, "Sourcepond".

The group’s sound hinges on deep, resonant basslines and intricate, almost aggressive percussion. The darker, mind-twisting elements of Autechre and the dystopian, dubstep-infused cyberpunk atmospheres of Vex’d provide a useful lens for understanding the album’s brooding intensity. At the same time, moments of dreamlike beauty break through the darkness. Samples of bells and flutes, along with shimmering synthetic textures and footwork-inspired rhythms, recall the ethereal magic of Kuedo.

Fascinating and intoxicating. Side effects: highly addictive.

(This English adaptation was produced with AI-assisted translation)

17/12/2024