Zonk't - Banburismus [Sound on Probation - 2018]French composer Laurent Perrier has a number of projects all built around a central idea, with Zonk't being the ambient arm of his creative beast. Returning again to the Sound on Probation label, Zonk't brings forth the LP Banburismus, a 37 minute, four track exploration into ambient and minimalist dub. Composed entirely with modular synthesizers, Banburismus is a meditative journey through the creation of sound and feeling. Soaring high above, "Square" kicks off Banburismus with an airy, drifting, ambient piece that opens itself wide to let the listener hitch a ride on this sky high journey. Consisting of half the album's run time, "Square" can be seen as the centerpiece of Banburismus, and should have adequate attention given to it's structure, flow, and growth. Gradually descending, "Square" drips and drops its way from the heavens and glides effortlessly along a more terrestrial path. Slowly moving forward with soft, modular patterns, the meditative dub of Banburismus is very evident on the first half of the album. "Chronogyre" continues with this lower approach, but removes the flowing, almost naturalness of the previous track and works like a pre-determined robotic pathway. Feeling more traditionally "modular," this subtle track is a bridge between "Square" and the two following songs. Upping the groove ante, "Colossus" Zonk't brings forth more dub and abstract dance for the remainder of Banburismus. Along with "Conditional Probability," the album ends on a decidedly different foot than that which it started out.
Combining ambient and dub on the same plate, but not allowing too much to touch, Banburismus is an electronic feast for all sorts of fans. Soft and airy, fun and groovy, Zonk't uses his moduar synthesis to craft some engaging electronics. Quick, easy, and worthy of repeated listens, Banburismus from Sound on Probation is a solid entry in Laurent Perrier's discography. Paul Casey
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