Artaban - Rec. Play. Rewind.

​Artaban

Rec. Play. Rewind.
self-released; 2023

4.0 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

Artaban, the electro sensation hailing from Luxembourg, embarked on their musical journey back in 2006, courtesy of the visionary duo Charles and Max Nilles. Their inaugural release, Landscapes (2008), birthed a captivating sonic fusion that critics have aptly likened to the offspring of Röyksopp and Boards of Canada. 

Following an extensive repertoire of live performances, sharing stages with luminaries like Modeselektor, Apparat, Foals, Wax Tailor, Sebastien Tellier and M83, as well as an impressive array of remixes and cinematic collaborations, Artaban's sonic voyage led them to unveil their second album, Flow, in 2013. This sophomore endeavor imbued their sound with an analog essence, flirtatiously dancing with electro-pop while preserving an enigmatic allure, punctuated by intermittent vocal forays. Fast forward to their latest offering, Rec.Play.Rewind., a collection of nine instrumental soundscapes that beckon listeners into a cinematic realm of atmospheres and emotions. 

Kicking off the auditory expedition is the enigmatic "A2," a track that immediately captivates with its distinctive blend of electronic elements. Evoking a hypnotic groove, it marries synthetic synths with the organic allure of live drums. The journey deepens with "Chazeman," where a relentless beat drives the composition forward, enveloped by atmospheric pads and the haunting strains of what could be mistaken for stringed violins. The profound bassline ensnares the senses, crafting an aura of enigmatic allure. 

"Chevrotine" beckons the listener to traverse the corridors of memory, evoking the sensation of soaring through time and space—a sonic wormhole, indeed. "Spazzaneve" introduces a more grounded, subdued ambiance, bearing the potential to serve as the perfect score for a noir film. In the realm of imagination, it could very well soundtrack a cyberpunk noir, where the detective is an android. The tension escalates with "Barman," entwining further into the noir aesthetic. 

“Moebius" surfaces in a hushed manner but astounds with dissonant bends that offer a mesmerizing auditory experience. "Tase" introduces vocals, intriguingly altered and manipulated, making it the closest one comes to encountering a lead vocal. This particular composition conjures reminiscences of the ethereal stylings of a band like Mogwai. "Melville" follows, a swirling, psychedelic fractal that shape-shifts and metamorphoses, evoking a sense of endless transformation. The journey culminates with "Skog," exuding a distinct funkiness that isn't too far removed from the sonic realm inhabited by a group like Primal Scream. 

​Rec.Play.Rewind. emerges as an exceptional album, replete with a treasure trove of inventive sonic textures and dynamically evolving compositions. This is an auditory odyssey best experienced through the intimate embrace of headphones, beckoning you to immerse yourself in its captivating sonic tapestry. Our resounding recommendation? Dive into this musical masterpiece without hesitation—it's an experience that promises to enthrall your senses.

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