German composer Ulf Schütte explores the limitless possibilities of the modular synth through a number of projects (G. Steenkiste & U. Schütte, Phantom Horse, Datashock, to name a few). His sound is experimental, ambient adjacent, often extracting data-fried bliss, and always transfixing.
With Soft Blizzards, Schütte dives into pixelated virtual reality soundscapes on his latest, ‘Nasses Raster’. Arriving in October via Not Not Fun, the tape is described as existing in the spaces “between electronic and environmental, tone and float, hypnotic yet harmonically ambiguous”. Composed of six extra-dimensional transmissions, ‘Nasses Raster’ is elegantly tripped out and mind-expanding. Building blocks of synths and digital percussion are paired with field recordings to form a frothy, discombobulating brew.
“Froschprotokoll” sounds like what happens if you wake up to find yourself beyond the uncanny valley, gazing at everyday objects rendered in MS Paint. Despite the psychedelic imagery, the sounds retain a focused yet playful demeanor. With an output that includes pulsing psych-rock and lengthy drone pieces, Schütte deploys Soft Blizzards for chilled out, “elevated synthetics”. Lively, upbeat, and chock full of digital blips and woozes, “Froschprotokoll” retains an exploratory spirit that powers it through repeat listens.
Nasses Raster is scheduled for release 2nd October via Not Not Fun. Buy a copy from Bandcamp.
TRACKLIST
1. Nasses Raster
2. Froschprotokoll
3. Die Geduld der Rohre
4. Lubina (Q)
5. Interner Teich
6. Zwischen zwei Stimmen