Category Archives: Switched On

Switched On – Various Artists – Place: Toronto curated by Ciel (Air Texture)

Posted on by
Reply

by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Air Texture’s new Place series is a brilliant initiative, the label describing it as “a location specific electronic music compilation series where all proceeds are donated to local groups working on important causes in that area such as environment, human rights, conflict aid, and support. The goal is to build a global network of music producers bringing important issues to the electronic music community and world at large.”

It certainly looks like being a source of interesting and vibrant electronic music, judging by the ten destinations the series has already visited. The eleventh falls under the wing, of Ciel, born in China but based in Canada. She is a highly respected producer, DJ and head of the Parallel Minds label – as well as a campaigner for equality and social justice in electronic music.

What’s the music like?

Inventive and intriguing. With a wide range of beat-driven inventions, Ciel has picked 23 complementary productions.

The highlights include Ninechecker’s Frequency Jumping, a really good broken beat track, while Siviyex’s Decals Of Vedici is an effective combination of glitchy beats and woozy vocal snippets. Meanwhile Chambly, by MIASALAV, could almost be a good Lo Fidelity Allstars offcut. Ana Luisa & Geezr’s Bahracas puts its foot down, while the riff for Moon King’s Reverse Imaging hovers beautifully, its elements reminiscent of early Warp records.

Meanwhile Cosmic JD’s Hi Sensei and Yohei S’s Skatter bubble with invention over an upright beat, with the percussive approach taken further by Ficilio’s Alba, a really effective piece of fast-slow dub. Emissive packs a good deal of ambient energy into No Envo, which casts a lingering glance back at the 1990s, before heavier beats kick in with Generator’s Freaky 2nite.

Does it all work?

Much of it does – though be aware that the customary immersive ambience you might anticipate from an Air Texture compilation is not to be found in the energetic beats and lively percussion on offer here!

Is it recommended?

It is, in spite of the above. Quite apart from being a good cause, the compilation is a great source of discovery and packed with good things.

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,586 – Saturday 5 July 2025

Switched On – Hawksmoor – An Aesthetic – Experiments In Tape (Lunar Module)

Posted on by
Reply

by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

To quote the Bandcamp guide for this release, “James McKeown is a Bristol-based musician known for his innovative approach to music production and sound design. With a passion for combining modular synths with layers of live bass, guitars and experimental techniques, McKeown has carved out a niche in the electronic music scene, captivating audiences with his unique sonic explorations.”

An Aesthetic is a series of ten pieces taking the concept of hauntology further than before, and “into a liminal space of sonic saturation”. This is done through layering the wow, flutter and warble of tape artefacts, creating a unique sonic landscape.

This, then, is music for blank tape – but in a thoroughly intriguing compositional process, released on Lunar Module, the new Castles in Space CD imprint.

What’s the music like?

As the above implies, otherworldly and haunting. This is music to accompany a film where all is not quite as it seems, and where images suddenly rear up in front of the camera. That at least is what is threatened by Aesthetic II, whose bright tones are compromised by a claustrophobic atmosphere.

Aesthetic III is both oppressive and weirdly comforting, a wall of sound that feels like a massive duvet round the ears by the end, while Aesthetic VII is more ominous still. Aesthetic V crackles but settles into one of the most ambient tracks of the ten. Aesthetic VIII is the longest of all, the D-120 of the selection (for TDK fans!), and a wobbly but winsome track, with a rather beautiful chord progression that recurs at regular intervals. Aesthetic IX has the broadest melody, almost a spiritual in its plaintive quality, while the concluding Aesthetic X is a satisfying exploration of the bass range.

Does it all work?

It does – the ten pieces form a kind of suite that can be easily experienced in one sitting, and the lack of digital correction is appealing.

Is it recommended?

It is. An Aesthetic is a fascinating set of collages and inventive sound pieces that fit well together, creating an atmospheric whole. Not for all moods, that is for sure, but a consistently rewarding listen.

For fans of… Flying Saucer Attack, Pram, Bvdub, My Bloody Valentine

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,583 – Wednesday 2 July 2025

Switched On – Hologram Teen – Captain Fluo (Hologram Opera)

Posted on by
Reply

by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Morgane Lhote returns as Hologram Teen, the alias under which she has shown her enjoyment of electrofunk and disco. Captain Fluo is described as ‘a love letter to the Paris of the 1980s’, where slinky disco was the order of the day.

Lhote was once the keyboardist with Stereolab, from 1995-2001, a period many would consider to be the group’s imperial phase. Alongside the musical project Garden with James Ford (Simian Mobile Disco), she established Hologram Teen ten years back, in 2015.

What’s the music like?

Two words – breezy and summery. There is a broad sense of musical enjoyment here, immediately transmitted through a selection of dancefloor instrumentals and quality vocal guest slots.

Occasionally Lhote enjoys flirtations with the 1990s – Pack Ur Patience having a riff Electronic would have been proud of – but more often than not her joyous reference points are the 1980s.

She heads straight for the disco dancefloor with Actarus, staying there for a change of tempo as the low-slung funk of Connection transpacifique kicks in, here with a confidential but confident vocal from Sandra Zettpunkt, the nearest we get to Stereolab in musical form.

Zettpunkt appears again on the fun Pack Ur Patience, where chimes and chunky basslines trade off, while Eric D. Clark appears for an oblique Why Ya Wanna Wait? Frêquence Gaie, with Maxwell Farrington, is a richly scored slow disco number, its deadpan vocal making Phil Oakey prick up his ears.

Chunky groovers abound on the instrumental tracks, with Walkman, Lust Pill! and Memphis Sounds all good fun, the latter a quickstep with bubbly keyboards.

Does it all work?

It does. Hologram Teen treads just the right line between confidence and vulnerability, enjoying itself along the way.

Is it recommended?

Heartily. Summery sounds that raise a smile from the outset, with a blend of sassy songwriting and instrumental craft. Captain Fluo will raise many smiles.

For fans of… Stereolab, Human League, Can, Lipps Inc., Eurythmics

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,575 – Wednesday 24 June 2025

Switched On – Matmos – Metallic Human Nature (Thrill Jockey)

Posted on by
1

by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

M.C. Schmidt and Drew Daniel like to set themselves a challenge when it comes to recording an album as Matmos. Having made entire long players from plastic, or the parts of a washing machine, it comes as relatively little surprise to find that Metallic Life Review is restricted to metallic objects only.

Yet the story goes much deeper than that, with field recordings included to give the album a deeply personal relevance, including scenes from tour, pots and pans from the pair’s childhood, and sounds paying tribute to close friend and steel guitarist Susan Alcorn, along with recently departed director David Lynch.

What’s the music like?

One of the takeaways from this album is that metal can be graceful as well as percussive, and Matmos work in a way that brings unexpected emotions bubbling to the surface.

The tributes to Alcorn and Lynch are especially profound, with Changing States including the former’s work, unfolding gracefully and with a watery profile. The Chrome Reflects Our Image is darker and more volatile, in the spirit of Lynch, but with that characteristic humour that Matmos have always carried near the surface. The Rust Belt, which you can watch below, is a remarkably clever invention:

Speaking of humour, Norway Doorway is a great way to start the album, a creaking door recorded on tour used as the lynchpin for a genuinely funny track. Proof that there is music in everything we hear!

On the other side of the coin sits the title track, whose duration means it has the whole of side two on the LP. Recorded live in the studio, Metallic Life Review is a compelling piece of work and also the most explicitly rhythmic, taking in dub and slow disco as it sets a course. Gradually the improvisations take hold and the music moves where it wants with flair and unpredictability, building in power as it becomes a single virtuoso instrument.

Does it all work?

Yes, it does – somehow! You do need to be in the right mood for Matmos, but at all times their creativity and originality shines through.

Is it recommended?

Thoroughly. Fans will love and recognise the pair’s blend of humour and instinctive creativity, and it shines through here in music of fresh disposition. You won’t hear another album like this in 2025, that’s for sure!

For fans of… Cabaret Voltaire, Soft Pink Truth, Kraftwerk, Yello, Aphex Twin

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,573 – Tuesday 24 June 2025

Switched On – Cosey Fanny Tutti – 2t2 (Conspiracy International)

Posted on by
1

by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Christine Newby, as one of the elder stateswomen of electronic music, is also one of its figureheads.

Even when not accounting for her work as a member of Throbbing Gristle, and the many inspiring solo ventures and collaborations she has enjoyed as Cosey Fanny Tutti, she has more recently been ensuring that musicians such as Delia Derbyshire got their dues, through the Re-Sisters book. A biopic of her colourful life, including her provocative and inspirational work in pornography, is in the offing. 2t2, meanwhile, is the latest chapter in her own music. Representing a return to relatively full health since her and partner Chris Carter experienced serious illness in Covid times, it is an album celebrating that freedom but also responding to the difficult times the world is experiencing.

What’s the music like?

Often darkly coloured, and occasionally foreboding, but ultimately giving hope. If this were a debut album, it would be celebrated for its maturity and inventiveness – but also its restless spirit.

For Newby is still all about opening doors to see what’s behind them, and that pioneering spirit informs the best work here. Her cornet brings a much-needed innocence to a track such as To Be, with its glowering colours that evoke The War Of The Worlds, and also the mysterious Stolen Time.

Threnody, dedicated to Derbyshire, is warmer – and so to is Respair, led by harmonica. The drama is saved for last, as the album comes to a head with Limbic, however, a track with vivid flashes of colour and a tendency to turn its back on tonality altogether.

Does it all work?

It does. 2t2 is not always an easy listen, but Newby has never been about making things easier for her listeners. A challenge is to be encouraged and is set here through one of her most listenable albums, presenting a wide spectrum of colour.

Is it recommended?

For sure. Cosey Fanni Tutti remains one of the most compelling figures in electronic music, and this is another fine opus to add to the roll of honour. Worth getting to know over time for a full and lasting appreciation.

For fans of… Death In Vegas, Jah Wobble, Siouxsie and the Banshees, 808 State

Listen / Buy

You can read more about 2t2 and explore formats for purchase at the Boomkat site

Published post no.2,573 – Tuesday 23 June 2025