We live in a world that is constantly trying to control chaos, a topic that Electrons in Slow Motion explore in their new album, Mekanikaru.
By Graeme Smith
The album is set in the near future where humanity is in conflict with technology over the ability to stay unpredictable. It sounds like science fiction but in a modern world where going against the algorithm can feel detrimental to success, the reality feels closer than you might think.
Mekanikaru soundtracks the conflicts across thirteen atmospheric electronic retro-futurist tracks in the vein of Vangelis. Each track feels individually unique and collectively create an immersive experience.
Electrons in Slow Motion is the project of Bucharest, Romania’s Marius Copel. Copel was born in the ‘80s when Romania was still under Communist rule. His early experience has clearly had an impact on his music. The sense of dystopia looms large in Mekanikaru.
That’s not to say it’s all doom and gloom. There are bright moments in the album’s journey as well, and a rich compositional complexity that keeps things interesting. The snatches of vocals during severe album opener Access Codes is an early example.
Lousindrive gives us a beautiful sense of motion and texture while Never Surrender has a soft haunted feel to it. Machine Devotion is a hard-hitting percussive moment at the heart of the album. City Street Mechanic has some twinkling keys and a sense of optimism. Wild Will Flow provides a final, extended audible treatise.
Japanese futurism is woven through the album, reflected in track names like Tatami Elevation, Itsumo and Orochi, The Serpent Woman. Even the album’s name is Japanese, an English loan word meaning “mechanical,” written in katakana as well as roman script. It all adds up a beautifully thought-out story and universe.
The album feels pertinent in a world where those who feel they are on the outside are being pushed further out, communities are breaking down, and technology is becoming ever more present and relied upon. It’s a topic pop culture has been grappling with for decades, and Mekanikaru is a worthy addition to the canon.
Listen if you like cinematic electronica, experimental ambience, post-rock, or anything with an unconventional point of view.
If you want to keep up to date with all things Electrons in Slow Motion, you can by heading to their website, or following them on Facebook, Spotify, and Bandcamp.
Mekanikaru is out now, and you can listen to it below.
Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator
