Description
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Al Wootton, the club mutant previously known as Deadboy, returns with his second solo album, ‘We Have Come To Banish The Dark’, released on his personal label, Trule. Building on the success of his 2020 release, ‘Witness’, Al Wootton continues to explore his recombinant production style, deftly blending genres like bullish techno, squashed D&B, and beatdown to create a sonic experience that is both captivating and accessible.
The nine tracks on the album serve as Al Wootton’s personal commentary on the state of the world, offering a resilient response to the dystopian elements of our society. With a backdrop of “the rising tide of fascism, hypercapitalism, and right-wing politics,” Al Wootton’s music strikes a balance between aggression and hopeful club energy, pushing back against the darkness that threatens to engulf us.
The album opens with the steaming techno sidewinder, ‘Descender’, which sets the tone for Al’s untypically morbid outlook. The track draws comparisons to the atmospheric soundscapes of Regis, immersing listeners in a world of gritty textures and pulsating rhythms. As the album progresses, ‘All The World is a Hospital’ shines with an Aleksi Perälä-esque rhythmelody, offering glimmers of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Al Wootton expertly navigates different tempos and styles throughout the album. ‘A Pox Cast’ showcases a mid-tempo grind, while ‘Number, Weight, Division’ delivers a killer combination of squashed acid and D&B influences. Tracks like ‘May Your Angels of Light Accept Him’ bring to mind the atmospheric techno of Forest Drive West, with its captivating energy and intricate sonic layers.
In ‘Devarim’, Al Wootton explores more optimistic sounds reminiscent of the Goa beatdown genre, creating a sense of full-circle energy and transformation. ‘The Norman Yoke’ unleashes an anxious acid techno vibe, reminiscent of Marina Rosenfeld’s electro-acoustic dub, while ‘Becoming Light’ showcases outstanding moments of modular noise that captivate the listener’s attention.
‘We Have Come To Banish The Dark’ is a testament to Al Wootton’s ability to shape-shift through various genres and create a cohesive sonic journey. With each track, he paints a vivid picture of our world, intertwining elements of darkness and hope. This album is a sonic exploration that invites listeners to join Al Wootton on a transformative musical experience.
Whether you’re a fan of techno, D&B, or beatdown, ‘We Have Come To Banish The Dark’ offers a refreshing perspective and a unique blend of sounds that will captivate your senses. Step into Al Wootton’s world and immerse yourself in his intricately crafted sonic landscapes. It’s an album that both challenges and uplifts, leaving a lasting impression on all who embark on this sonic journey.
