Equal parts ethnographic research and percussive exploration, Simon Berz‘s Tectonic is proof of an enduring intelligence within sound and its contexts and histories as marshalled by an accomplished musician and researcher.

Spread over nine mesmerising and catchy tracks, drums, or drumming, is the focus, but so too are the endless sites of its occurrence — caves, stones, unique instruments — and, of course, the studio where Berz sequenced field recordings from Iceland, Japan, and Indonesia with modern electronics. Each composition introduces its own unique amalgam of in situ captures with time signatures that seem to depart directly from their contextual cues. Tectonic is sparse, though, nothing muddies with inappropriate melody or vocal interference. 

Tempo is crucial and an organizing principle, where pieces either rush at you, like the lock groove of “Cementation”, or evolve languidly as on “Awan Panas”, where a dark atmosphere is syncopated by a single electronic kick. Other highlights include the use of rain captured in a cave to structure the attack on “Lithification”, and the breakbeat, almost Jungle-like “Turbidite”. Yes, rocks like to dance too. As a whole, there are countless moments like these; I challenge anyone listening to sit still for more than a minute.

Fans of percussive-centered work with unique instruments and field recordings from remote areas of the globe. Highly recommended!. Dig in here