[COMPACT DISC] Battens marks the fifth chapter in the enigmatic sonic journey of Loess, the elusive grayscale experimental electronics duo. True to their signature style, the album weaves a rich tapestry of clicks-and-cuts beatwork, shadowy dub-infused melodies, and eerie, otherworldly textures. But this time, there’s a newfound sharpness—an evolution. Clay and Ian have honed their craft, amplifying their signature elements to striking effect. The beats carry a bold, almost swaggering presence, a confident pulse that was only hinted at in past releases. The melodies, once purely alien in essence, now glimmer with a fleeting touch of humanity. With nearly 25 years of steadfast creative vision, Loess has refined their sound at their own deliberate pace, culminating in Battens, a testament to their mastery. Difficult to pin down yet impossible to ignore, Loess continues to carve out their own introspective space in experimental electronica—still fresh, still ahead of the curve.
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