As the title and cover art imply, there’s a sense of psychological dissonance, a tension that characterises this album. Peter Prautzsch may have built a reputation for slow ambient works, but his fourth album introduces newfound elements and an urgency to create something altogether different.
Amidst the weft and warp of shifting, shimmering, scratchy broad waves of sound, subtle yet urgent rhythms build. Rippling waves of sound interweave to forge a complex and multifaceted sonic latticework.
‘Knife dance’ shifts emphasis toward clattering percussion and steady rhythms provide the bedrock for clamorous xylophones, and the overall busyness of the composition creates a growing tension.
‘Unfold Fully’ is sparse, minimalist glitch beats keep a respectful distance as soft sweeps of sound drift, disturbed by incidentals. The vocals are soft, almost serving as another instrument
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The dark, rumbling groove of’ The Barbarians’ brings another change of tone and texture, while ‘Pure Thought’ is the perfect amalgamation of ambience and subtle, brooding beats.
There are hints of Tangerine Dream here and there, but , there are dark currents and even hints of aggression that make ‘The Fever Drawings’ a dense and compelling listening experience.
Peter Prautzsch Online
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