Halogen – Baked
Adam Janota Bzowski aka Halogen is back with his debut album ‘Baked‘ on Maternity Records…
I first discovered Halogen’s music through last years superb free download EP ‘Recycled Broadcasts‘, and was immidiately struck by his creative abilities and the way he perfectly managed to form his own unique approach within the idm/glitch genre.
Since the EP Adam has been involved in various other projects this year and I have sensed a more mature Halogen sound developing especially with the recent ‘Length and Brecht‘ track released on IDMF 004. This sophisticated expansion within Halogen’s production becomes ever so apparent on ‘Baked‘, and is a true demonstration of his artistic capabilities.
But before we delve further into the album itself, a quick word about the actual packaging…
The package arrived in the post a few weeks ago and I was immidiately struck by the beauty of the actual bubble wrap envelope. Yes I know you are saying what the hell can be so great about that! Well the fact that Halogen has taken the time to individually spray paint each one black with a gorgeous stenciled lettering design and the Halogen logo on the back was a complete stroke of genious in my books, and impressed upon me just how much hard work has gone into the project as a whole (record labels take note)!
Then upon opening the envelope you are presented with a wonderful hand made photo card (with an individual message) that is bound to the cd in a soft string like material. I am not sure if this is going to be done with the cd’s once on sale, but even if it was just for promotional copies, the fact that the artist has put so much hard work and attention to detail in to the release says a lot about what Halogen want’s to convey with ‘Baked‘.
And so we enter…
Having somewhat moved away from listening to idm style manipulated beats of late, I wasn’t sure how I would take to the album, and was hoping that Adam’s progression over the past six months or so would be evident in the new release. With just one listen it became apparent that this was clearly the case, and instantly sensed that here was an album of the highest caliber.
‘Baked‘ has many facets that integrate perfectly between gentle abstract structures, quirky glitched undertones and distintive melodic bass lines that build gradually, managing to evoke emotionally charged soundscapes leaving the listener wanting to experience the whole collection again and again.
The haunting abstract sounds of ‘Moniker : Monica’, the intro track, present the listener with a delicate piano structure and minimalist feel that sets the tone as you instantly feel drawn to the atmospheric peregrination that Adam so eloquently designs.
‘Millicent’, is the next installment, and we are introduced for the first time to Adam’s meticulous craftmenship when it comes to drum patterns. I urge you to listen to this track ever so carefully late at night, lights dimmed, headphones on, and allow yourself to be absorbed in what has to be track of the album for me. The drum sequencies are arranged perfectly and attention to detail within the whole arrangement is flawless. For me this is the Halogen sound at it’s very best!
‘Baked’ proceeds with ‘Ohmu’ and ‘Aperture Apparel’, two more gentle glitchy numbers that keep the listener captivated with rhythmic, intricate structures.
Before we know it the half way point greets us with ‘Baked’, another favourite of mine that is more in sync with what we play on the Fluid playlist these days. The continuous sample of a train travelling at slow pace hovers ever so softly underneath faint strings, creating an atmospheric piece that once again shows another side to the artists production skills.
The calmative guitar pattern produced within ‘Etik’ emerge gradually and hold the listener captivated as hypnotic melodies and tender xylophone manipulated structures float over the track in perfect coordination.
The next three arrangements ‘German Piano’, ‘Redux’ and ‘String Theory’ all pick the pace up and have a familiar sound and structure to tracks from the ‘Recycled Broadcasts’ EP. Whilst this fine in many aspects, I would rather have seen Adam developing and exploring the direction that the previous six tracks from ‘Baked’ have taken, and so gives the album a slight rushed feeling to the end of what is a worthy listen.
The journey concludes with ‘Pervelon’, another firm favourite from the album that see’s Adam once again experimenting with abstract, minimalist arrangemnets, and is the perfect conclusion to what is a stunning debut album from the talented artist, leaving me in no doubt that Halogen is unquestionably one to watch out for in 2010 and beyond. 8/10
Review by Daniel Crossley – Fluid Radio
Track List:
Moniker : Monica
Millicent
Ohmu
Aperture Apparel
Baked
Etik
German Piano
Redux
String Theory
Pervelon
More Info:
Like Halogen’s music a lot and will be treating myself to this release.
Nice review as well.
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I think Dan Crossley has it about right, though Aperture Apparel is my own favourite in an album filled to the brim with tracks that demand listening. An artist’s maturity can take many forms; I sense it when the production develops a crescendo that leaves you gasping and grateful.
For the two days of the weekend, I have an early morning drive, and can manage to play it through during the trip; regularly, and with the same themes playing as the soundtrack to my journey – hey, you don’t know how good the Charles River in Boston looks when you’re listening to Baked. In fact, you should come out and stay a while; try it!!
It’s the tops, Adam. Well done and a half.
Marek Nowina
Excellent Album ! … really enjoying it
A great talent worth discovering for those not in the know.