Description
Om Unit and TM404, also known as Andreas Tilliander, join forces on their debut collaborative full-length album, ‘In the Afterworld.’ Drawing inspiration from the question “what if Shaka had produced Stingray?” the duo revitalizes squelching TB-303 riffs with corrosive downtempo breaks, resulting in a captivating fusion of early Autechre and Plaid melting into dub.
Having been fans of each other’s work for years, Om Unit and TM404 find a woozy mid-point between their distinctive approaches on ‘In the Afterworld.’ The album showcases Tilliander’s meditative sawtooth blips merged with Om Unit‘s dubwise breaks, creating a mesmerizing sonic landscape that combines their individual sonic palettes.
The album kicks off with the early rollers “Motorway Acid” and “Microdose Mondays,” setting the pace with their sunset bliss reminiscent of Warp‘s iconic ‘Artificial Intelligence’ era. These tracks feature earworm acid wiggles, AFX-inspired pads, and molasses-slow breakbeat loops, capturing the essence of the era while infusing it with their own unique twist.
As the album progresses, ‘In the Afterworld’ takes a diversion with the track “London Stock,” embracing zippy electro and deviating from the retro mood established earlier. Here, wonked 303 sequences intertwine with skittering beats and Drexciyan risers, creating a dynamic and energetic sonic experience.
The second half of the album delves deeper into TM404’s underrated run of Kontra-Musik LPs, showcasing a darker and more introspective side. “Meanwhile… In the Smoking Area” sees the duo navigate through Plastikman-esque wires of grey box wooziness, gradually building towards a propulsive dub-infused knackered house groove. “Refracted” takes an almost beatless approach, exploring a 303 jam that leans heavily into tape hiss and dubbed-out echoes, creating a mesmerizing and atmospheric soundscape.
One of the standout moments on the album is “Thursday,” a digidub monster that references 808 State and recalls Tilliander’s brilliant ‘Acidub’ LP. This track exemplifies the duo’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, combining elements of dub, acid, and intricate beatwork to create an enjoyable and immersive listening experience.
‘In the Afterworld’ is a testament to the shared vision and passion for electronic music that Om Unit and TM404 possess. Their collaborative effort showcases their ability to push the boundaries of sound and create a unique sonic journey that captivates and intrigues. By fusing elements of acid, dub, electro, and experimental beats, Om Unit and TM404 have crafted an album that pays homage to their influences while carving out their own distinct sonic territory.
As listeners embark on the sonic exploration offered by ‘In the Afterworld,’ they are treated to a rich tapestry of sound, blending nostalgic elements with forward-thinking production techniques. Om Unit and TM404 invite us into their collaborative world, where genres meld, boundaries blur, and innovative electronic music takes center stage. ‘In the Afterworld’ is a testament to the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities that arise whenartists with unique visions come together to create something truly special.
