Tristan Shone knows a thing or two about wacky, unorthodox percussion, thanks in large part to his expertise in mechanical engineering. With that kind of arsenal at his disposal, Shone ran with it on his latest effort for Author & Punisher, Krüller (Relapse Records), eight tracks packed with diversity, uniqueness, and precision. It’s also his ninth full-length release since 2005, and it superbly stands alone.
Right off the bat, ‘Centurion’ is a truly industrial, steampunk-esque track that is entirely devoid of drums, paced instead by a brooding keyboard melody, instantly becoming an earworm. The composition guides the listener through a chase scene in a sci-fi movie while setting a much satisfying tone.
‘Drone Carrying Dread’ bumps and entrances. Shone doles out percussion that utterly pops so hard it’s felt inside my bones. A subtle riff maintains a strong rhythm; the titular ‘drone’ buzzes particularly hard during the introduction, but not so much so as to hamper the song.
That large and calculated drumming returns on ‘Maiden Star’ in a technique that is as satisfactory as it is full: it’s far enough away from the tinny aspect of certain genres which could turn someone away entirely.
The cream of the crop has to be the final trio of songs. There are siren-sounding, machine-malfunctioning tones (‘Glorybox’), futuristic, robotic wackiness (‘Blacksmith’) and a creepy recorded voice on the titular closing track that concludes with a chilling voiceover coupled with a downright dope piano line. In other words, this album has it all and then some.
To truly understand and appreciate Krüller, you must listen through multiple times. Akin to rewatching a familiar movie only to discover something previously unnoticed, Author & Punisher delivers a vast array of idiosyncratic and peculiar music throughout the eight songs featured. There is diversity and uniqueness but also a certain familial feeling: a fabric that grows and eventually weaves the entire finished product together.
Buy the album here: https://store.relapse.com/author-&-punisher-kruller/
7 / 10
MATT COOK