Anodyne Industries – Counterconditioning (Hopskotch Records)

Anodyne Industries is a unique drum and bass-style project engineered by SF Bay Area producer Aaron King. He was first noticed on the IDM Forums, which also operated as a net label to release some of his work to a broader audience.

This was followed up by various remixes and free single and EP downloads, before gaining the attention of Australian glitch/IDM specialists Hopskotch Records. Hopskotch released a track of Anodyne’s on V/A compilation Divergence, and have now released Counterconditioning, which will be of particular interest to Australia’s alternative electronic music audience.

Counterconditioning is a luscious down-tempo three-track arrangement of half-step drum and bass. It is reserved and succinct, using minimal elements, all-pervasive sub-bass and intricate mid-range bass to convey space and depth. ‘Rev’ is energetic, and delivers intensity and edginess within a delicate structure that is relaxed. The Bay Area-style background vocals were a bit iffy, but essentially suited the song’s vibe.

‘Until Daybreak’ is carried by slippery, clattering percussion over the top of a brooding and dripping dark atmosphere complimented by intricate and warped sounds of the highest grade. It is again served minimally and conversely has great, punchy effect. Anodyne Industries’ last track is a remix of a Neuroscientist track ‘Poor Taste’, again delivered with the same skittery and broken sound that places beats everywhere but stays dead on time.

Counterconditioning is one of the more intriguing and tight electronic releases and signature sounds I’ve heard this year, and I can’t wait to hear what else Anodyne Industries will be producing in the future. The only real problem I have with this release is that it is too short for how absorbing it is. More, please.

Link: https://soundcloud.com/hopskotchrecords/sets/anodyne-industries/

Released for purchase on Beatport on 10 June 2013.