Boxcutter Reaches Deep Space with New LP

Arecibo Message is the new LP from the recently acclaimed dubstep artist, Boxcutter (aka Barry Lynn). The album’s title is aptly named after the message sent in 1974 from the Arecibo Radio Telescope to possible extraterrestrials 25,000 light years away. It’s as if Boxcutter collected progressive sounds from the past 5 years and let them loose into outer space, echoing on forever. The album goes through numerous stages, morphing through dubstep, downtempo, acid, IDM and electro funk. It’s intense, glitchy, abstract and at times, even funky. I can’t pinpoint it yet, but there’s something melancholy about Arecibo Message. It’s organic, raw and emotional.

The first two tracks stand out as they could be mistaken for tracks from Burial’s 2007 album, Untrue. But what sets Boxcutter apart, is that he’s constantly tweaking the sounds, adding new elements and mangling the beat. From there, the tracks progress into more chaotic IDM tunes reminiscent of AFX, Clark and Meat Beat Manifesto.

The production is phenomenal as Boxcutter experiments with nuance and dynamics, unheard in earlier releases. The thick wall of analog sounds and effects is balanced with subtle noises and moments of silence.  “Arcadia 202″ is a hauntingly beautiful track that takes acid grooves to a new level. Unfortunately, the buildup is rushed and the song ends abruptly, as do many of the other tracks, with a quick fade.

The last track, “A Cosmic Parent,” should have been left for another release. While it’s funky rhythms, samples and guitar riffs are heard elsewhere, it’s inconsistent and fails to finalize the album. It fades out in a matter of seconds, concluding the LP at just over 49 minutes.

Arecibo Message will be released on April 20th via Planet Mu Records. To hear samples from the entire album, visit Planet Mu. The LP can be purchased from Amazon.

MP3: Boxcutter – Free House Acid

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