Dyscamupia by Lucy
Atmospheric Techno with words set to music, not unlike the last King Midas Sound album
Stroboscopic Artefacts boss Luca Mortellaro, aka Lucy, is back with an extraordinary new, three track EP called Dyscamupia; part Techno, part performance. Based on the classic existentialist novel, The Stranger by Albert Camus, vocalist Jason Snell brings to life the protagonist and narrator Meursault with his sonorous intonations in a way that captivates like Ken Nordine. Using the Killing of an Arab section of the story as the focal point, we're given an explicit and gripping insight into the detached emotions of a man who decides to commit murder.
Like the recent King Midas Sound album, this production is pure entertainment. And like Kevin Martin's contribution on that album, Lucy's technical prowess on Dyscamupia is so perfectly poised, so powerfully understated, it's quite easy to overlook. Only on the third track, Backward, does he make his presence known.
Over 26 minutes, the drama of each act is played out in devastating fashion. On Forward, a steady heartbeat-pulsing rhythm underlines the narrator's cold temperament as he takes stock of his situation. With an increase in BPMs Paused follows, representing the moments immediately after Meursault's fatal decision; his blood pumping inside our heads and a hazy cloud of consciousness taking grip. Finally, mental mayhem ensues, confusion spilling out, as closing act Backward uses reversed vocals and a further rise in pace for dramatic measure.
A wonderfully complex interpretation of a classic novel.
- Rating: 9/10
- Listens: 15
- Highlight: Dyscamupia (Backward)
- Label: Stroboscopic Artefacts
- Release Date: 15th March 2019