Pless — Hypernormal
Starting around 2019, Pless is a collaboration between Leo Matkovic and Philipp Thöni, formed as a way to define and thoroughly describe fictional places of their creation. Hypernormal focuses on 7 of these spaces and constructs these environments with varying electronic tones, layers, and flourishes. The ensuing album is an engaging look at not only the fictitious spaces created, but the creative spaces in both Matkovic & Thöni's minds.
A subtle mix between standard construction and ambient/experimental, Hypernormal builds off of the synthy, near future do develop soundscapes for imaginary places. Somewhere between a video game and a film score, Pless maneuvers deftly around these dreamt up environments to give the listener an atmospheric overview of what they're seeing in their mind's eye(s). Similar in style to many of the synth-based "wave" genres that are pouring out now, this album is very timely and the phased, synthesized lines of the opener, "Azure," speak to a very willing and hungry audience. This calmly paced beginning number is just the start, as the pace changes as desired on following tracks. Formed around what sounds like more of a dystopian bent, the seven songs on Hypernormal bring up cyberpunk ideals and long stretches of burnt scenery dotted with industrial outcroppings. Whether by bullet train or aircraft, the rich sounds on display paint a vivid picture without having to drown the mix with sound. Utilizing space between notes and layers, the notes (and listener) are given time to drift and decay and add life/death to each successive turn. Punctuated with percussion, Hypernormal builds and moves as it needs and desires.
The brainchild of two men with visions of imaginary places, Pless' Hypernormal is a synth-driven indulgence that drifts between futuristic wave and dystopian ambient pieces. Sticking to a shorter range of sounds and tones, the album doesn't stray too far from its intentions and the compositions all work together to form a cohesive whole. While this helps with the overall album, it does leave the sound a bit limited and a little more to be desired. Regardless, Hypernormal is a very enjoyable listen. To pick up this vinyl release, or find out more info drop by here