Emptyset "Skin (Thrill Jockey)"
For a duo that “stand at the vanguard of electronic music” (Thrill Jockey’s words, not mine) the fact that Emptyset’s newest release, the EP Skin, was created entirely with acoustic production methods is fascinating. At least, until you start listening to it. By then you’ll completely forget about the production of the music as you are quickly hypnotized by their take on ritual and non-Western music. Drones, texture, rhythm, and structure are focused on here as created by custom stringed instruments, as well as drums and vocals being modulated in real-time. Equal parts sinister and ambient, this mystery of an EP could just as easily signify doom or rebirth to the listener, depending on their headspace. Try to figure out what your headspace is as you check out “Eye II.”