Artist: These Hidden Hands
Album: Vicarious Memories
Label: Hidden Hundred
Release date: 08/08/2016
Treading into our aural path this week is These Hidden Hands with their sophomore album, Vicarious Memories. The Berlin-based duo that comprises Tommy Four Seven and recording, mixing and mastering engineer, Alain Paul, have resurfaced three years on from the 2013 release of their eponymous full-length. Their modus operandi has been, for the most part, intent on unearthing complex, broken structures that exist within the gloomy depths of ruthless, industrial-esque techno.
Habitués of their provocative, brutalist mechanics were whetted earlier this year with the submission of their two-tracker EP, These Moments Dismantled. Vocals were fed into the industrial mix to dramatic effect and it broadened their scope beyond indulgences in dark dance floor material. Those seeking more vocalic distress from the duo have fresh fodder here with two tracks, the first being 'The Telepath', which features Berlin-based singer, Julia Kotowski. Alarm bells ring startlingly before withdrawing to give Kotowski space to embed her vocal statement. The image created is cold and unsettling, with Kotowski's vocal breath being largely unintelligible and in its haunting manner - it's an additive to the track's threatening thunder. While 'The Telepath' is hard on the listener, the second vocal bleed titled, 'Lima 3AM', which features Ale Hop, is easily more digestible. If the track title is to be taken literally - as if we're to imagine a feeling of Peru's capital at this early morning hour - its slow-paced convulsing growl, coupled with Ale Hop's muttered spoken word conjures images of a hostile space that's welcoming only to those who seek the sinister.
Much of the album is foreboding, with projections of dread and waves of tension permeating the likes of 'SZ31X71', which is particularly punishing, but there are moments when the intimidating dark vibes relent and allow glimmers of light in. We can assume 'Angkor' is inspired by the largest religious monument in the world – Angkor Wat – and perhaps in awe of Cambodia's incredible, ancient city we have a powerful track that stands to fight against the pattern of doom and gloom. Similarly, the atmospheric 'Socotra' – Yemen's legendary island that's touted as being the most alien-looking place on earth – snuffs out any feelings of unease with glittering, soaring synths guiding a more contented narrative.
The duo have again produced an album that challenges the listener in its experimentation of complex and rhythmically explosive soundscapes, with moments of respite from the turbulence.
WORDS | Aimee Lawrence
Tracklist
A1. Glasir
A2. Dendera Light
A3. The Telepath feat. Julia Kotowski
A4. SZ31X71
A5. Grelles Licht
B1. Angkor
B2. Socotra
B3. Lima 3AM feat. Ale Hop
B4. Litla Dimun
B5. Hoh Xil
