Apolitiq’s latest 12″ EP, “now.,” is an audacious incursion into the expansive universe based upon industrial, electronic, darkwave, experimental, and avant-garde elements. Hailing from Santa Barbara, California, this longstanding collective has returned with an offering that showcases relentless innovation and artistry. The opening track, “fight,” blends industrial noise and darkwave textures. Pulsating beats provide a hypnotic foundation for layers of eerie synths and experimental elements that build with tremendous precision. The vocal delivery is haunting and understated, penetrating through the track like a spectral presence. As the song progresses, it evolves into an intricate cacophony of sound, balancing chaos and control with fascinating finesse. This track sets the tone for the entire material, pulling listeners into apolitiq’s shadowy, enigmatic world. “stop” explodes with furious energy, showcasing apolitiq’s abilitiy to craft commanding, aggressive soundscapes. The harsh noise manipulations and dark ambiance are highlighted by driving beats and eerie melodies, building an oppressive and electrifying atmosphere. The vocals take on a more assertive tone here, amplifying the track’s confrontational essence. It’s a standout piece that embodies their fusion of industrial brutality and darkwave sensibility.
“hide” bridges the past, present, and future by merging oldschool elements with cutting-edge experimentation. Every detail, every texture, every noise feels intentional, demonstrating their collective skill as musicians and sound designers. The track’s complexity and depth make it a central pillar of “now.,” emphasizing apolitiq’s innovative, unique, exciting, genre-pushing sound. Breathe transports listeners back to the lo-fi, glitchy aesthetics of 1980s and 1990s industrial music, yet it’s infused with a fresh, invigorating, and modern sensibility. Synth beats collide with dark ambiances, creating a luxuriant soundscape that immediately grabs by the collar and refuses to let go. The vocals here are particularly notable, as they contribute to the emotional depth that complements the hypnotic rhythm. This song exemplifies their balance between nostalgia with forward momentum, making it one of the most memorable moments throughout the entire material. “start” is a haunting dark ambient composition. Its minimalist approach contrasts sharply with the intensity of the preceding tracks, offering a touch of introspection and closure. Layers of melodic sequences drenched in effects create an ethereal atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. It’s a perfect closure of such an outstanding EP.
Apolitiq’s sound is rooted in industrial and electronic traditions, but they approach these genres with a sense of discovery that keeps their music fresh and unpredictable. They integrate harsh noise, darkwave, and avant-garde elements into cohesive compositions without spoiling the industrial and dark ambient core of these tracks. The collective also thought about production. Every sound feels intentional, from the guttural noise bursts to the delicate ambient flourishes. The pacing is another highlight, with each track acting as an adequate continuation of the previous one. While “now.” is a forward-looking release, it is also a celebration of apolitiq’s legacy. The EP captures the essence of their early work, the visceral energy, the willingness to challenge conventions while demonstrating how far they’ve come as artists. Tracks like “hide” and “breathe” feel like a dialogue between the past and the present, paying homage to their influences while proudly waving banner of innovation. “now.” deserves your utmost attention. It’s a visceral, immersive sonic voyage into the sole depths of thoughtfully assembled, arranged, and performed music. Their brilliant ideas, talent, skills, experience, and knowledge are vividly hearable throughout the entire material, proving that even the hiatus can’t spoil their genre-defying sound. You should immediately check it out if you’re looking for perfect industrial and dark ambient music. This masterpiece arrives on a beautiful marbled one-sided vinyl, so head to Curious Electricity or Silver Girl Records for more information about ordering.
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