I first came across Tympanik Audio, a Chicago-based label with a dark electronic roster, late in 2007, with their first double compilation release, Emerging Organisms. In the early months of 2008, I reviewed an intelligent rhythmic industrial album by Totakeke, titled ELekatota. However, it’s with this fourth catalogue release that I can boldly proclaim Tympanik has struck gold. With the release of Approach, Tympanik is rapidly rising through the ranks, rivalling esteemed labels such as Hymen and Ad Noiseam.
Subheim is the brainchild of Greek composer, Kostas K, whose complete biography is overshadowed by the haunting sounds and occasional sighing voices of Katja. The organic elements of piano, cello, and ambient atmospheres are interlaced with slow-building crispy beats and bit-crushed digital sounds. Approach is Subheim’s debut album. It flawlessly encapsulates all of my favourite elements: orchestral, cinematic, dark, crunchy, rhythmic, and extremely musical. “Moved by subjects such as urban isolation and the outburst of mankind’s deepest emotions, Subheim delivers the ideal soundtrack for moments of chaos or melancholic reflections.” After numerous listens and consecutive five-star ratings on my playlist, I admit defeat and throw my hands in the air. I refuse to rate music with numbers, so hopefully, these words will speak for themselves, as I try to contain my excitement for Subheim. Being categorised alongside my top favourite artists in the genre, including Architect, Kattoo, Hecq, Lusine Icl, Arovane, Gridlock and Aaron Spectre, this is highly recommended! Do not miss this next step in the evolution of electronic music.
