Alluvium by Stefan Goldmann
MACRO M77
Layered asymmetry: With Alluvium, Stefan Goldmann explores new structural paths for machine rhythm in irregular metres. Throughout the album, different non-binary patterns run simultaneously, interlocking into twelve offerings of jagged polyrhythmic magic. Such a framework may juxtapose 11 on one axis, against 7 on another and 5 on a third – building stunningly iridescent edifices of multidimensional time.
This is the third album in a series of "first principles" research of metric asymmetry. 'Veiki' (2019) laid the foundation for "real broken beat". Then, 'Vector Rituals' (2022) explored the bending of grids in order to yield idiosyncratic forms of organising time. Alluvium takes these two approaches and expands them beyond their initial reach: Irregular patterns moving along parallel timelines within one unifying grid.
~ With the kind support of the Tarabya Cultural Academy of Istanbul.
Tracklist
| 1. | Axios | 5:24 |
| 2. | Helicon | 4:26 |
| 3. | Yantra | 7:28 |
| 4. | Scylax | 6:41 |
| 5. | Drilon | 5:42 |
| 6. | Magoras | 5:34 |
| 7. | Tyros | 4:41 |
| 8. | Struma | 6:10 |
| 9. | Arda | 6:58 |
| 10. | Hebros | 6:19 |
| 11. | Ropotamo | 5:59 |
| 12. | Scamander | 6:08 |
Credits
Written & produced by Stefan Goldmann.
Mastered by Rashad Becker.
Artwork by Viet Hoa Le.
DJ MAG (UK): 'Techno tracks for the other side of the looking glass.'
TEXTURA (CDA): 'This latest exploration of “layered asymmetry” shows what happens when multiple irregular patterns are combined to form interlocking, multi-tiered edifices. A weirdly captivating brand of mutant polyrhythmic techno is the result, the music tangentially connected to the form but pushing away from it at the same time. Goldmann reveals himself once again to be one of the genre’s most thoughtful practitioners.' (Ron Schepper)
UTILITY FOG (AUS): 'There’s everything here: rapid-fire percussion which can sound like tablas, drum machines and even the shadows of cut-up breakbeats; haunted drones and translucent melodies […]; thumping syncopated sub-bass … There are tracks with the beats and rhythms barely heard through the murk of sonic textures, and there are tracks that would be techno slammers if only the bar lines lined up. Goldmann is prolific by any standards, and this is one that I’d unhesitatingly recommend.' (Peter Hollo)
CHAIN DLK (USA): 'A masterclass in how to subvert expectations and push the boundaries of what rhythm can be.'(Vito Camarretta)
FAZE MAG (DE): Cover story, July 2024 issue.
