Double LP
The Brian Leeds' evolution continues apace with the first new Huerco S LP in six years. That it's only been six years since the landmark For Those Of You Who Have Never (And Also Those Who Have) feels like somewhat of a misnomer. A lot appears to have shifted in experimental music since (and partially because of) its release, for few more so than Leeds himself, who's released several knockout records as Pendant and Loidis in that time, as well as helping establish a contemporary 'ambient' sensibility via his West Mineral imprint (home to Ulla, UON, Ben Bondy etc). That Plonk turns up on Anthony Naples Incienso label instead of West Mineral, is telling of the approach Leeds is taking this time out, mostly forgoing the decayed ambient bliss of the last Huerco S record in favour a more intricate set of electronic dynamics that draw on trap rhythms and textures. There's a few notable concessions to the past that'll have old fans in raptures, most obviously the mammoth 12 min closer, Plonk X (all tracks are named Plonk through X), a beautifully poised composition of undulating minimal techno tropes. Elsewhere he's exploring brain dance styled hyper-rhythms and DJ Python-like hypnotic steppers, ducking, weaving, remaining elusively non-committal to any one specific style or idea. When MC SIR E.U. appears on the penultimate track, well, you can't say you weren't warned. If you were expecting more of the same, you've probably not been following Leeds too closely. More bold steps back and forth through time from an artist building a bit of a legacy.
