In May 2024, Bitter Work, the beat tape by Brainiac [The Archive] crossed my proverbial desk. Not something I’d usually share, I was inspired to by the complexity of its compositions.

By Graeme Smith

Now, almost a year later, the project is back with a new album. Work began on A Search For An Escape in 2023 with the artist reflecting on his life and the state of America. The result is a collection that feels raw and honest.

Like Bitter Work, Brainiac’s new album packs a lot into short, quickfire tracks. There are 21 on A Search For An Escape and they amount to a total run time of 22 minutes. It’s not conventional but it works as each track contributes to a greater whole meaning we never feel rushed through it all.

Opening with a pulsating rhythm, breathless vocals and captured audio of A_corrupted:MAN’s[Thoughts], we are instantly plunged into an atmospheric world. Snatches of hip-hop give things an edge and provides the run through to _job:[POLITICS] which takes thing in a jazzy, lo-fi direction.

From there we get vibrant electronica mixed in with intriguing samples. Each track manages a rich narrative despite their individual brevity. By the time you arrive at the beautifully mixed album closer _logging:off, you feel like you’ve experienced quite a journey.

A Search For An Escape is out now and you can give it a listen below.