
SYNTA [XE] RROR - [ . ] DOT [Zoharum - 2021]SYNTA [XE] RROR are an IDM duo from southern Poland, and [ . ] DOT is the projects third full length. It’s a CD/ digital download- that offers up nine tracks that blend together detailed electro beat patterns, and largely memorable/ atmospheric synth melodies, which moves between sci-fi mood set to more nostalgic. The release appears on Polish label Zoharum- who release both noise/ industrial/ ambient reissues, as well as new release like the album to hand. The CD comes presented in dull matted mini gatefold- this features on its outside abstract white shapes against a black background, and inside black/ grey abstract shapes against a white background. The albums nine tracks have runtimes between three and seven minutes, and we kick off with the longest track here "Last Call" that slides in just under the eight-minute mark. Here we find a blend of phone ring tones, tight bass stabs, detail building electro beat skeleton, effectively atmospheric synth tone rips, and a rising/dramatic sci-fied melody. It’s a good opener and rather brought an instrumental take on Front Line Assembly, around say the Hard Wired or FLAvour Of The Weak albums.
As we move into the album we have the speeding-slight-judder ripped melody line, hissing beat stabs, darting techno undercarriage, and moon landing samples of “A Wakeful City”. The ringing almost oriental tolling electro vibe meets drilling ‘n’ twisting beats and broodingly shadowy synth bass line of “Question Mark”. With the album been topped off with off-kilter bass stab, jittering micro beats, and clear sad/lost key melody of “Personal Identity”. While there’s nothing on [ . ] DOT that rewrites or challenges the IDM/ futuristic toned electronica genre rule book. There is a good selection of memorable and moody melodies present, and some fairly neat beat building/ blending going on here. So if you're looking for a consistent and well put together IDM album, I’d say give [ . ] DOT a go.
     Roger Batty
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