Existence
Labile, 2021
9/10
The sophomore effort from Unknowndivide, which is Derrick Stembridge, of Drifting In Silence fame, under this moniker the multi-instrumentalist brings a larger electronic presence into the highly atmospheric soundscapes.
“Below” gets the listen off to an initially spiritual start before dense beats and firm electronic prowess enters the unique delivery of meditative versus club friendly sounds, and “Unreal” follows with a futuristic approach of soothing ambience alongside playful sound manipulation.
“False” lands at the halfway point, and recruits a firm landscape of techno nods amid garage rock ideas, while “Transmission” glows with an ethereal demeanor and then filters in buzzing synth, dance floor rhythm and infectious beats. “Limitless”, the album’s best, then glides with a glitchy, animated and dizzying display of electronica utilized with incredible precision.
“Time” and “Existence” finish the listen, where the former offers a meditative backdrop while swift beats guide the frisky landscape, and the latter spends 5 minutes impressing us with minimal and maximal ideas fleshed out in ways only he could create.
Essentially pairing the calm moments of Drifting Into Silence with a firm IDM and techno slant, Existence is yet another superbly creative venture for Stembridge, whose talents are clearly boundless and his vision exemplifies a balancing act that’s artistically absorbing.
Travels well with: Drifting In Silence- False Awakening; Heron- Sun Release