New Tendencies — Batch0008

Sound artist Matt Nish-Lapidus returns as New Tendencies for his latest, Batch0008 from SM-LL. Built around sound experiments with his newly constructed Serge system, Batch0008 is the end result of him learning this new system and tweaking it and refining it until it reached his desired goal. Modular synthesis through and through, this latest from New Tendencies fits the bill for those looking for a somewhat minimal synthesized experience.

Consisting of seven tracks built around patching as the sole means of sequencing and composing, Batch0008 approaches New Tendencies' goals slowly, with repetition, and often very minimally. Starting off in the more typical, modular, bleepity bloopity vein, the first few tracks, like "Sign," "Not," and "Bug" don't stray too far from the norm in this type of electronics. In a similar minimal style, the next two tracks, "Step" and "Adap" don't get too dynamic, but do approach everything from a different direction. Built with more of a fuzzy, buzzing pulse, the middle section of Batch0008 slows the vibe of the album down in an interesting fashion before opening itself up on the last two tracks. "Tang" and "Swel" finish off the album with a bit more propulsive activity, and feel a bit deeper sonically as well. Nearing head-nodding status, the last two pieces on Batch0008 definitely show what New Tendencies is capable of with the Serge system, and more of this style electronics would certainly be welcome.

The latest release from New Tendencies takes a few different approaches with modular synthesis and sequencing, and has Matt Nish-Lapidus working with his new Serge system. While fairly uneven and at points too "modular" for my tastes, there are some nice bits of electronics spread through out. Also, the run time is not over long, so even if it's not one's cup of tea, it's pretty quick to get through.