Enduser is a producer who has been crafting experimental Electronica for over two decades. He has released many records and collaborated with luminaries including Bill Laswell and Justin Broadrick. Unquiet (Decay Recordings) is Enduser’s first full-length album in a decade.
The instrumental music here is characterised by a pleasing juxtaposition of heavy drum ’n’ bass-inspired rhythms and softer, more meditative sounds. Synth pads ebb and flow, and subtle melodies rise and fall, over the backdrop of powerful driving synthetic drum beats. The beats in question constantly shift and morph, and are peppered with engaging glitches.
Enduser states that “most of these tracks have a bit of both in them, some light and some dark”, and indeed the feel varies between sombre and uplifting. Often, Unquiet seems to induce conflicting emotional responses at the same time: dark and brooding beats are set against synth soundscapes that elevate the mood.
Unquiet displays Enduser’s admirable grasp of light and shade. Even though it has minimalist repetitive qualities, the mesmerising music never stays at the same dynamic level for long. The foundational drum beats often drop in and out, or shift to half or double time, and new synth parts regularly arrive and disappear.
The album works excellently as a full (albeit long, at one hour and 17 minutes) piece to be digested in one sitting. However, there are several notable highlights. Album opener “Trial By Fire” is captivating with its skittering beats set against hypnotic synth melodies and warm pads. “Northern Tribe” is noisy and powerful, with pulverising bass and glitchy drums. “To Address” features emotive chord sequences and exhilarating drum ’n’ bass rhythms. “Street Lamp” is based around heart-rending synth pads and fluttering drum beats. “Unreal” houses some of the album’s heaviest moments, with pummelling synths and punchy Industrial-inspired drums. Album closer “Looking Out” drives forwards relentlessly with its glitchy beats and dark synth chords.
Unquiet is a stirring and emotionally resonant record that draws the listener into Enduser’s world of expressive electronic composition. It is deep, rich, and immersive, and packs a sonic punch whilst still possessing nuance and subtlety. The record will no doubt be of great interest to listeners who have an affinity with intriguing and absorbing experimental electronic music.
Buy the album here:
https://end-user.bandcamp.com/album/enduser-unquiet-digital-vinyl-pre-order
8 / 10
DUNCAN EVANS
Follow his work here: