out now: These Hidden Hands – These Hidden Hands [Hidden Hundred]

Artist:
These Hidden Hands

Title:
These Hidden Hands

Label:
Hidden Hundred

Cat#:
HH02

Release Date:
26th September 2013

Format:
vinyl & digital

Tracklist:
01)
Trelesire

02)
When Told

03)
Diesel

04)
Untitled

05)
Ivy

06)
Laika

07)
Mollusk

08)
Severed

09)
Isopod

10)
Kheium

11)
Hidden

Info:
Over half a decade since this creative partnership was first brought to the public’s attention, Tommy Four Seven and Alain reconvene after time spent establishing themselves within their own respective fields to present These Hidden Hands; a musical long-player that exemplifies the pairs fiercely unique approach to production.

If the ‘Strix EP’ saw them channel their energy solely towards the dancefloor, this project sees them at their most visceral, refreshingly embracing the extended format with a vigour akin to that first demonstrated on Tommy Four Seven’s debut album for CLR, ‘Primate’.

Over the course of 45 minutes the listener is left in no doubt as to the striking sonic identity of the collaboration. With Hidden Hundred – the creative platform and outlet they’ve constructed for themselves – they have been allowed the freedom to bring to the forefront the influence of classic IDM, jungle and early techno that proved so irresistible on celestial debut single ‘Ivy’.

From the confrontational textures of opener ‘Trelesire’, to the sonically abrasive ‘Severed’, it’s clear that this palette is far from just indebted to the innovators of old. The engulfing drama of ‘When Told’ and harrowing tension of ‘Kheium’ showcase their singular approach to sound design, their adept versatility in utilising both industrial tones and ethereal melodies.

‘Laika’, is a case in point. Scattered rhythms, gauzy synths and rugged atmospheres conjure a distressed nostalgia. ‘Diesel’, which was offered by the pair as the first tantalising glimpse into the project, melds sparse beats with a soaring, creature-like drone before the ghostly motifs of ‘Hidden’ bring the body of work to a natural close.

Grasping the imagination as though it were some lost tape of unknown origin; this dexterously crafted album marks a timeless statement from These Hidden Hands, and one that represents two artists truly in their element.

Listen: