ARTIST(S): Marco Shuttle
TITLE: SYSTHEMA
LABEL: Spazio Disponibile
CAT n°: Spazio LP001
FORMAT: 2 x 12’’ // Digital download
RELEASE DATE: May 9th, 2017
Having already released one outstanding album in 2014 Visione on his imprint Eerie, Marco Shuttle is ready to unleash a new full-length that testifies to his diverse talents as a producer. For his new outing, Systhema, he has teamed up with the Spazio Disponibile label of Donato Dozzy and Neel.
It all begins with the overture “Adrift,” a patiently evolving and panoramic track in which tantalizing Middle Eastern phrases are framed by deep drones and a foreboding metallic rain. This fades easily into “Thebe,” a unique track something between a slow waltz and a hallucinatory desert journey (complete with the sound of winds rushing over vast expanses of terrain).
“I Fail, You Fall” then arrives and brings with it the first appearance of a sturdy techno rhythm, adding a modern sense of urgency to the captivating and timeless noir atmosphere developed over the course of the album so far. Tense, swirling progressions rise from and fade back into a thick haze of reverberation, as chilly percussion accents surround the listener on all sides.
Marco’s salute to dwarf planet “Eris” invites the listener into sound experience characterized by the ascension rolling bass drums and the agitated clacking of giant insectoid creatures. The laboratory feel of “Con Sequenza,” with its shuffling snare, authoritative bass kick and determined, climbing synth sequence, then takes things in a slightly different direction: it temporarily changes out the feeling of mystery and legend for one of scientific rigor (in the process, it highlights the questing nature which lies behind both scientific / technological and spiritual methods of discovery).
“Venera 3” returns us again to a more lush and humid environment alive with organic squishiness and hidden secrets. By this point in the trip, Shuttle’s arrangements just seem to get more cinematic with each successive track, though eventually many of the built-up tensions are released in the optimistic-sounding “Olga,” a blanket of sound that may bring back to mind 90’s ambient leaning UK ambient leaning intelligent techno. “Ende” concludes on a similar high note with soaring atmospherics, bringing everything full circle in a bright and majestic way.
Trackiist:
1. Adrift
2. Thebe
3. I Fail, You Fall
4. Eris
5. Con Sequenza
6. Venera 3
7. Olga
8. Ende
Spazio Disponibile Bandcamp
Marco Shuttle Soundcloud