Comit’s “Remote Viewing”: A Sonic Journey Through IDM’s Evolution
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In 2019, the electronic music scene was graced with the release of Remote Viewing by Comit, an alias of the prolific producer James Clements, better known for his work as ASC. This album, released by the revered label A Strangely Isolated Place, represents a unique fusion of IDM, ambient, and breakbeat, drawing from the rich history of electronic music while pushing the boundaries of the genre into new, unexplored territories. The album’s intricate sound design and nostalgic yet forward-thinking approach have made it a standout in the world of electronic music.
Remote Viewing is the result of James Clements’ deep-rooted love for the melodic IDM of the late ’90s and early 2000s, influenced by labels like Morr Music and City Centre Offices. However, what sets this album apart is its ability to blend these influences with more contemporary elements, creating a sound that feels both familiar and innovative. The album is characterized by glitchy breakbeats, emotive chord progressions, and the use of analog synthesizers, which together form a sonic landscape that is distinctly different from Clements’ work under his other aliases, such as ASC and Intex Systems. This project, born from his passion for IDM, encapsulates the essence of the genre while propelling it into a new era.
The artwork for Remote Viewing is as meticulously crafted as the music itself. Despite the minimal input from James Clements regarding the visual aspect, the label A Strangely Isolated Place sought to create a visual representation that mirrored the album’s futuristic and colorful sound. The cover, featuring a distorted and fractured photo of a famous street in Tokyo, was masterfully executed by Noah M / Keep Adding, capturing the essence of the IDM genre’s aesthetic while adding a modern twist. This visual approach complements the album’s sound, creating an immersive experience for the listener.
From a technical standpoint, Remote Viewing was a carefully curated project, with the vinyl version being mastered and cut by Andreas Lupo Lubich, a key figure in shaping the sound of the early IDM era. The decision to cut the record at 45 RPM was made to maximize audio quality, a choice that resonates with audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Interestingly, the album gained a bit of a cult following when fans began playing the vinyl at the wrong speed, 33.3 RPM, discovering that the music still held its integrity, albeit with a different feel. This speaks to the versatility and depth of the music on Remote Viewing, solidifying its place as a modern classic in the IDM genre, much like the works of contemporaries such as Ulrich Schnauss and Boards of Canada.
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