robert aiki aubrey lowe: cognition/observation

Cognition/Observation is the very necessary follow-up to Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe's physically modelled modular trance impulses heard on Timon Irnok Manta, which was issued to critical acclaim by Type in 2012. Bypassing academic practice in pursuit of fluid, instinctive progression, "Cognition (Forbes)" and "Observation (Sophrons)" unfurl two long, knotted sequences entangling intricate West African drum patterns and visual motifs in a buoyant, propulsive abstraction of techno and earthed-yet-cosmic electronics. Bass is thick as treacle and buffered by a scratchy, semi-organic flux of dancing sparks and mbira-like metallic twang in "Cognition (Forbes)," before the same elements refract and tessellate in a more nuanced echo chamber sound, distinctly recalling the shape of Dynamo's 2002 classic Außen Vor (DIN CD01) as much as Hieroglyphic Being's hypnotic improvisations. Rarified, transcendent music of the strongest order. Mastered and cut by Matt Colton at Alchemy.