Alles - NOW
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"NOW", the latest album from the Łódź-based duo Alles, strikes a chord with its blend of cold-wave, electronic beats, and dark humor, offering a sardonic take on the chaos of contemporary life. Formed in 2014, the band, composed of Paweł Strzelec and Marcin Regucki, has made a name for itself with a distinctive sound that balances minimalist electronic elements with sharp, socio-political commentary. Known for their dynamic performances at festivals like HOYM and Podwodny Wrocław, Alles has crafted an album that feels at once unpolished and meticulously constructed, embodying the spirit of industrial music with a distinctly modern twist.
Listening to "NOW" is like tuning into the disjointed static of today’s world, where meaning is hard to pin down amid the clutter of information. The album captures a restless energy, drawing listeners into a maze of electronic textures and fragmented moods. It isn’t content to settle into familiar patterns; instead, it continuously shifts, with tracks like "D.I.Y." and "We własnej osobie" delivering an urgent, pulsating rhythm, while the more melodic "Ten moment" offers a catchy reprieve. It’s a sound that’s deliberately raw in places, avoiding any pretense of refinement for its own sake.
Lyrically, "NOW" stands out for its mix of spoken-word delivery and vocal elements, addressing themes of disorientation, freedom, and the buzzwords that dominate the post-modern landscape. There’s a biting wit in how the band tackles these ideas, not merely repeating familiar grievances but offering a wry critique of the contradictions inherent in the pursuit of freedom. Tracks like "Współczesność" and "Humanizm" cut through the cold electronics with words that challenge and provoke, yet never feel heavy-handed. The lyrics dance between sarcasm and sincerity, making the listener think without being preachy.
The minimalist aesthetic of the album shouldn’t be mistaken for simplicity. There’s a subtle complexity at play, as layers of sound weave in and out, creating a dynamic and ever-changing listening experience. The tracks seem to be in constant conversation, not only with the listener but with themselves, presenting glimpses of clarity amid the noise. It’s as if the music reflects the fractured nature of modern existence, where thoughts are fleeting and half-formed, and the beat keeps pushing forward, always a little unpredictable.
Alles doesn’t aim to soothe; "NOW" is not about providing comfort or easy answers. Instead, it captures a sense of restless uncertainty, resonating with the feeling of living in a world that’s perpetually on edge. There’s a dry humor in the way the album handles the absurdities of modern life, treating them with a kind of detached amusement rather than heavy seriousness. It’s as if the duo acknowledges the futility of trying to make sense of everything, embracing the chaos with a wry smile and a driving beat.
For those who appreciate the darker side of electronic music, "NOW" offers a listening experience that’s not just background noise but a deliberate act of engagement. It draws you in, stirs something, and leaves you to navigate its tangled layers. It’s not a call to arms or a manifesto, but rather a soundtrack for making your way through the labyrinth of modern life—sometimes lost, sometimes found, always in motion. "NOW" might not have the answers, but it’s a fitting companion for these disorienting times, capturing the pulse of a world that never quite makes sense—and isn’t too bothered by that fact.
Listening to "NOW" is like tuning into the disjointed static of today’s world, where meaning is hard to pin down amid the clutter of information. The album captures a restless energy, drawing listeners into a maze of electronic textures and fragmented moods. It isn’t content to settle into familiar patterns; instead, it continuously shifts, with tracks like "D.I.Y." and "We własnej osobie" delivering an urgent, pulsating rhythm, while the more melodic "Ten moment" offers a catchy reprieve. It’s a sound that’s deliberately raw in places, avoiding any pretense of refinement for its own sake.
Lyrically, "NOW" stands out for its mix of spoken-word delivery and vocal elements, addressing themes of disorientation, freedom, and the buzzwords that dominate the post-modern landscape. There’s a biting wit in how the band tackles these ideas, not merely repeating familiar grievances but offering a wry critique of the contradictions inherent in the pursuit of freedom. Tracks like "Współczesność" and "Humanizm" cut through the cold electronics with words that challenge and provoke, yet never feel heavy-handed. The lyrics dance between sarcasm and sincerity, making the listener think without being preachy.
The minimalist aesthetic of the album shouldn’t be mistaken for simplicity. There’s a subtle complexity at play, as layers of sound weave in and out, creating a dynamic and ever-changing listening experience. The tracks seem to be in constant conversation, not only with the listener but with themselves, presenting glimpses of clarity amid the noise. It’s as if the music reflects the fractured nature of modern existence, where thoughts are fleeting and half-formed, and the beat keeps pushing forward, always a little unpredictable.
Alles doesn’t aim to soothe; "NOW" is not about providing comfort or easy answers. Instead, it captures a sense of restless uncertainty, resonating with the feeling of living in a world that’s perpetually on edge. There’s a dry humor in the way the album handles the absurdities of modern life, treating them with a kind of detached amusement rather than heavy seriousness. It’s as if the duo acknowledges the futility of trying to make sense of everything, embracing the chaos with a wry smile and a driving beat.
For those who appreciate the darker side of electronic music, "NOW" offers a listening experience that’s not just background noise but a deliberate act of engagement. It draws you in, stirs something, and leaves you to navigate its tangled layers. It’s not a call to arms or a manifesto, but rather a soundtrack for making your way through the labyrinth of modern life—sometimes lost, sometimes found, always in motion. "NOW" might not have the answers, but it’s a fitting companion for these disorienting times, capturing the pulse of a world that never quite makes sense—and isn’t too bothered by that fact.
http://https://allesband.bandcamp.com/album/now
Tracklist:
1. Wiadomość
2. Arfid G47.9
3. D.I.Y.
4. We własnej osobie
5. Ten moment
6. Współczesność
7. Humanizm
8. Nie ma kraju
Release date: 09.10.2024
