Octal Industries - Our Seasons (2019)

Originally a collaboration that started in 2004 between the talents of electronic music aficionados Michael Sickinger (USA) and Jonas Thor Gudmundsson (Iceland), Octal Industries has been sketching out cavernous sounding, glacial tinged, dub-infused techno that carries with it a unique radiance that is all too often missing from the genre. Now solely the oeuvre of Jonas Thor Gudmundsson better known under his Ruxpin guise, the Octal Industries catalogue spans over the last 15 years and totals nearly a dozen releases.

After a couple of meetings between Jamie (Exalt Records) and (Andy Verdant Recordings) bosses, the idea of a label collaboration seemed a natural progression for both imprints and ‘Vertex’ was spawned. To honour their common love of music that have depth, width and atmosphere, approaching Gudmundsson for material to kickstart their new venture was an easy choice for both involved.

As the title suggests, “Our Seasons” is a 10 track excursion into the soul of the Icelandic experience, a reflection upon the stark contrasts found in their natural environment. A collection of music that continuously morphs and throws down a variety of tempos and soundscapes over two records: the total sum retains a certain character that is unique to Gudmundsson’s touch.
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Setting the scene on record one with the welcoming tones of “Borg Tekin”, you’re met with an expansive sonic vista that seeps into your consciousness - vocal elements calling back and forth. Like the passing of a restless midsummer night, “Thorp | Vanda” digs further down and focuses on the pulsating axis of sub bass and swirling pads that eventually find their peace. The heavy fog of “Roblegt” is more intense by contrast, the cyclical ambience closing in with little room as tension builds. “Dreki Flyr” eases back off: gentle curves, whispering synth patterns and rhythmic patter join as they flit through the night-air.



Switching to the second record, expansive percussion and glistening atmospherics characterise the dreamlike state and playfulness of “Forever”. After which you’re brought back by the slow march of “Winter Techno”, a reflective mood brought to the fore through icy shards of synthesis that take hold. As if waking from a deep slumber, the slow poise and airy tones of “Asleep” capture that peaceful, hazy moment where light breaks in and life begins to stir. The onwards and upwards feel is continued with the fresh energy of “Another Day”, the breezy composition bathing you in the warm glow of a summer’s morning. However, the juddering intensity and tones of “Lullaby” steep you in an almost unexpected surge of heat, before the closing notes of “Times fade” bring you back to an uneasy serenity that is somehow magically unerring – a perfect summary of Gudmundsson’s vision and how he feels the world around him.

Jonas’ recordings have been lovingly engineered by José Diogo Neves and cut by Curvepusher. Consistent with both labels passion for releasing beautiful records, Our Seasons presents commissioned artwork from Andrei Kedrin with layout by Grid Pattern.