Description
#brokenchord #vinyl #vinylrecords
Lithuanian producer Brokenchord, aka Ernestas Kausylas, brings a unique blend of lo-fi beats, psych-soul, and dub-infused rhythms in the reissue of Stone Island Tracks. Known for his ability to blend the timeless with the futuristic, this album is a laid-back journey through dusty, leftfield soundscapes. While the record feels like it could have emerged from the lost corners of 70s post-punk or the more experimental side of modern electronic music, it stands as a contemporary piece that balances genre influences in a beautifully effortless manner. Following his 2017 release Endless Transmission, this album serves as a continuation of Kausylas’ evolution in sound design, drawing inspiration from both retro aesthetics and forward-thinking sonic exploration.
Opening with “Weather Radio,” Stone Island Tracks sets the tone with its lo-fi, lazy strut, echoing sun-soaked afternoons and moments of sonic daydreaming. Brokenchord’s knack for weaving ambient melodies with subtle yet powerful rhythms is evident throughout the album, with its synth tones and guitar riffs gliding seamlessly across tracks. The title track takes things deeper into dub territory, with a stepper’s rhythm that invites the listener into a weightless, almost hypnotic state. Kausylas’ vocals, often understated, begin to rise more prominently, blending into the low-slung basslines that characterize tracks like “Pillows.”
Brokenchord’s previous collaborations, including a notable remix for Radiohead, reflect his deep understanding of intricate sound layers and texture—a skill that is further honed in this reissue. Tracks like “Future Simple” lean heavily into post-punk influences, with a dub-heavy bassline underpinning the gritty, almost industrial atmospheres. Yet, it’s the subtle play of synths and the lingering echoes of guitar that give the album a timeless, cinematic quality. It’s music that paints images in the mind: desert highways, cosmic dust, and surreal, dreamlike vistas.
For fans of artists like King Krule and Thom Yorke, Brokenchord’s Stone Island Tracks is a refreshing and immersive listening experience. The reissue reminds us of the power of sonic storytelling, blending disparate genres like electronica, dub, and post-punk into a cohesive whole. Brokenchord’s unique soundscape beckons listeners into a world of nostalgia and futurism, making Stone Island Tracks a record that deserves attention, whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering his music for the first time.
