Titanoboa — Porphyr

Cologne based Titanoboa rolls forth its debut album, Porphyr, via a-Musik, and kicks off the label's 2021 release series. Springboarding from a post-industrial platform into noise, experimental, and even some musique concrète, Porphyr is a wonderfully textural sonic journey. Comprising many layers and approaches, Titanoboa's debut will certainly turn heads.

Dense and engaging, Porphyr is eight tracks of swarming, industrial composition, built with many different parts, all fitted together like Frankenstein's Monster. And, like the creature in question, Titanoboa's debut looks menacing, but is merely misunderstood. Carrying all the noise and gloom of generations of electronic machines and processes, but with the artist's heart, Porphyr is soulful, sometimes wistful, thoughtful, and delightfully rough. The beauty of this release lies in its approach; although it sounds familiar, there is something decidedly different about it. Layers have distance, and interesting choices of tone and electronics make what seems similar subtly unique. And there is no leitmotif here to fall back on, which allows Titanoboa to craft and create at will, allowing each improvisation to be channelled and grow as it feels. Playing off of layers and allowing the track to come together slice by slice. both sides of Porphyr tell a tale of grounded, work-a-day industrial juxtaposed with airy, royal beauty. Aside from the sounds on display, this album feels crafted with real honesty and joy, like Titanoboa's heart and soul went completely into this. With each progressive spin, one can feel how proud the artist is of this creation, and can't help but smile along with them. While it's not the most polished piece out there, Porphyr wears everything it is and nothing it isn't, and this genuine nature is more appealing than any glossy, airtight album made to get a release out.

Debut albums are exciting, not only for the artist and label, but for the listener as well. Getting a first encounter with a creative force, seeing if you jive, learning their ins and outs, and trying to feel out their creative process is a really great experience. Titanoboa's Porphyr allows the listener to enjoy this experience over and over, and allows him/her to be a part of the process. Titanoboa has it all on its sleeve, and this candidness is refreshing. Head here to find out more.