Atsushi Izumi – Verdigris [Thrènes Records]

Atsushi Izumi is an artist skilled in advanced electronic music and sound design, his style has been modified to achieve a more experimental sound. The Osaka native’s use of long drawn out hallow synths is like an ominous cemetery at night before these powerful percussions detonate in. He uses heavy spaced out bass drums, either as a single or double beat, which simmer as they echo and roll. They are surrounded by these chaotic, textured synths, which can sound like a cicada, hovering and distorted to give a mechanical effect. It feels like being thrown into the woods late at night, eerie yet calm in the beginning, before extreme panic sets in and you feel like you’re being chased.

‘Verdigris’ the new EP from Japanese artist, is a deep dive into the crevice of the mind. It is an exploration of where fearful emotions lie and confronting them. It is only through this conflict that light can shine through in the end.

Japan witnessed the end of the world up close and it is still reflected in their art and music: it delves into the sadistic and explores deep themes of melancholy and the apocalypse. This is juxtaposed against pure joy and serenity, showing that life is there to be enjoyed and struggles have an end, which is translated quite coherently to this piece.

As an extra bonus to all this, there is a scintillating remix from ANFS. The Greek adds a bit of pace to the track Zeit. He is an artist who enjoys frantic distorted techno and it shows in this cut. He takes the basic elements but whereas the original slowly introduces the percussions, ANFS bangs straight in. It’s structured yet frantic and a massive sound.

‘Verdigris’ is due for release May 17th under the mysterious Swiss label Thrènes, that is known for eye-catching signature artwork and a deep and dark techno sound.