Heal — Espace d'incertitude

French sound artist Laurent Perrier has worked under many aliases in the past. He has chosen to release his newest, Espace d'incertitude under the Heal moniker. Working with two different styles of modular synths, his latest release offers up two varying approaches to his sonic attack. With one side more classically modular sounding, and the other leaning toward ambient, Perrier's newest is like two albums in one.

Opening with five tracks composed on a Buchla synthesizer, Heal's Espace d'incertitude starts off on a fairly common, boppy modular route. Fortunately, Perrier doesn't rest on his laurels, and ups the ante with some spacey layers and near cinematic compositions (in the sci-fi sense). Grooving forth, the Buchla side of Espace seems like pretty familiar turf, but thankfully manages to steer clear of modular wankery. While the first side is enjoyable, Heal really starts to shine on the second side. Working with Mutable synth modules, the latter side expands into a warm, ambient ocean. Serving up lush, droning layers, the Mutable side showcases Heal's creative and engaging approach to synthesis. Shimmering and delicate at certain times, and propulsive and strong at others, the second side to Espace keeps the listener riveted. The changes in style on this side greatly complement one another, and help to create a fuller whole.

Laurnet Perrier's newest Heal project, Espace d'incertitude is an interesting approach covering two different styles of modular synthesis. While the album itself is a bit uneven, leaning more on the stronger, Mutable side, it's an enjoyable listen and shows Perrier's strengths as an artist. If he continues to explore the sonic abilities of the Mutable modular, there could be some really engaging albums from Heal in the future.