Phoenecia ‎– Demissions

The best album of 2011.

i just want to add my voice to the chorus, but really these other comments say it so well. i just listened to this for the first time this morning on my morning walk with the dog. it was dark, and the streetlights created a true "brownout"kind of feel, and of course, i was blown away. i reviewed their last record of soundtrack and installation work, and this tops even that. i've been so disillusioned at the direction of most recent electronic music, this is so refreshing i stumble even finding words to describe it. thank you....no really...THANK YOU!

Well, wow. The album every in-the-know IDM fan has been waiting for for the last 10 years. Phoenecia, the duo who gave humanity their brilliant album "Brownout" in 2001 are back with an album which is also somewhat dark but markedly different. (Brownout could be the greatest IDM record ever. I can only think of Confield as a possible second contender.)

What struck me on the first listen is how seamlessly Demissions integrates acoustic percussion with electronics, most noticeably on the orgasmic first track "Two-part invention for bodrhan & computer". What an epic. The fact that this incredible first track is the best on the album, but only just so, is a testament to the solidness of this work. EDIT: This isn't the best track on the album. It's like in a 4 or 5 way tie for best track on the album.

There isn't a low spot here, although some tracks took more listens than others for me to enjoy them. For example, at first I wasn't very fond of Nostrum or Aunt Alice, but, as with Brownout, when you let Demissions invade your brain late at night it works its magic best and convinces you of its obtuse beauty.

The final track is another epic, and probably my second favorite. For some reason it reminds me of Autechre's Sublimit, in both its placement and rhythmic inclinations.

I will probably write more later. this is my favorite release of 2011 so far and it will take a monster to displace it. For IDM fans, this is THE release of the year. Buy it immediately!

I guess this is the first time I've been waiting that long for a record. Over the years (10!!!), I was blessed to get to hear some snippets and versions of this, and when it now is here, available to listen to at will, well, it still manages to surprise me. The last part shift of the inaugural track is one of the most striking electronic tracks I heard in a long time, and makes me remember why at one point, electronica or whatever you wanted to call it was exciting and relevant. Aunt Alice is another jewel, but to be perfectly honest, as is the whole album.
Thank you guys!