Automatisme - Momentform Accumulations (Album Review)

 

Automatisme - Momentform Accumulations

(2016)


My copy: 2016 press by Constellation. 


Referring to William Jourdain as simply an experimental electronic producer would be putting things lightly. His albums bridge the gap between a handful of electronic subgenres, and on 2016’s Momentform Accumulations, the Quebec based artist weaves elements of trance through a series of IDM expressions. 

Momentform Accumulations begins with “Transport 1,” featuring pitch-shifted beats and uneven, syncopated rhythms that add unease to the atmosphere. The percussion gets distorted as Jourdain engages in buildup and release techniques with the reward being an angelic organ/synth that juxtaposes nicely against the metallic beats. “Simultaneite 3” is a slow rising dynamic meditation, with a heavy focus on uncanny rhythm. The track gets a bit too repetitive near the end but its crescendo is worthwhile. 

There are lo-fi sounds worked into “Transport 2” where Jourdain almost channels synthwave, though it’s not quite bright enough; this is more like music for an evil rave. By now it becomes obvious that the tracks are less about interesting structures and more about good layering and fun textures. The pitch heightening gives a sense of momentum, and there are plenty of panning tricks to keep things interesting. “Simultaneite 1” awakens with grating buzzing sounds, like a confused machine being jolted from slumber. A moody synth is then replaced by what sounds like a robot imitating insect sounds. 

The album continues with interesting flavors of sound on “Transport 3” but much of the actual composition blends together too easily, leading to fatigue around this point. “Simultaneite 4” is at least a solid closer that toys with early 2000s trance, and masterful manipulation of interlocking rhythms. The closing track has the widest range of percussive sounds and expands further with wide, reverberating sounds. 

Jourdain has crafted an interesting world at a crossroad between freaky and meditative. There are mechanical, almost steampunk vibes amidst the sometimes sleepy beats. The sound palette on this album is very fun, though the actual structures and tempos get tiresome after roughly four tracks in. Overall, this is a solid work that spans multiple electronic genres.


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