Artist: Demdike Stare Album: Elemental

Year: 2012
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Demdike Stare's Elemental Album

Have you heard of Demdike Stare? This unique and mysterious musical duo is known for their dark and experimental soundscapes that blur the lines between ambient, industrial, and techno music. One of their most acclaimed works is their 2012 album Elemental, an introspective and haunting journey through the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the history of Demdike Stare, the musical genre and themes of Elemental, the best tracks of the album, the most innovative aspects of their music, and a critical review of the overall album.

History of Demdike Stare:

Demdike Stare is a collaboration between Manchester-based musicians Sean Canty and Miles Whittaker, who previously worked together in the drum & bass duo Pendle Coven. They formed Demdike Stare in 2009, adopting the name from a 17th-century witch from Lancashire. Their music is characterized by its experimentation with vintage samples, field recordings, and obscure sounds from all over the world, all wrapped in a thick layer of analogue reverb and distortion. Demdike Stare has released numerous records on labels like Modern Love, Blackest Ever Black, and their own DDS imprint.

Music Genre and Themes of Elemental:

Elemental is a 4-part album that explores the ancient concept of the four elements as the basic building blocks of the universe. Each part is named after one of the elements: Part One: Earth, Part Two: Air, Part Three: Fire, and Part Four: Water. The music is a fusion of unsettling drones, tribal percussion, arcane melodies, and esoteric sound effects that create a sense of ritualistic mystery and majesty. The album's themes of nature, mysticism, and alchemy are conveyed through the use of samples from old records, films, and even NASA space missions.

Best Tracks of the Album:

It's hard to choose the best tracks of Elemental, as each one is an integral part of the album's overall journey. However, some standout highlights include Eurydice, a desolate and mournful track that features a manipulated vocal sample of a woman singing an old folk song; Regolith, a dark and hypnotic piece that mixes metallic percussion with ominous organ chords; and Mnemosyne, a majestic ambient track that evokes a sense of cosmic wonder through its use of ethereal synth pads and choral voices. Elemental is an album that demands to be listened to in its entirety, from start to finish, to fully appreciate its scope and vision.

Most Innovative Aspects of Demdike Stare's Music:

What sets Demdike Stare apart from other electronic artists is their ability to create a sense of timelessness and otherworldliness through their music. They use vintage equipment and techniques to manipulate sounds in a way that feels both ancient and futuristic. They also incorporate elements of different musical genres and cultures, from African rhythms to classical opera, in a way that transcends borders and genres. Demdike Stare's music is not easy listening, but it's an immersive and rewarding experience for those who want to explore the deeper, darker, and weirder side of electronic music.

Critical Review of Elemental:

Elemental is a masterpiece of ambient-techno experimentalism that showcases Demdike Stare's unique approach to music-making. The album is cohesive and immersive, taking the listener on a journey through the four elements that feels epic and intimate at the same time. However, some critics might argue that the album is too obscure and inaccessible for mainstream audiences, as its emphasis on atmosphere and texture over melody and rhythm can be challenging for some listeners. Others might argue that the album can feel overly repetitive or indulgent at times, especially in its longer tracks. Overall, Elemental is a daring and bold work of art that rewards those who are willing to dive deep into its mystical realms.

Elemental is a masterpiece of ambient-techno experimentalism that showcases Demdike Stare's unique approach to music-making. The album is cohesive and immersive, taking the listener on a journey through the four elements that feels epic and intimate at the same time. However, some critics might argue that the album is too obscure and inaccessible for mainstream audiences, as its emphasis on atmosphere and texture over melody and rhythm can be challenging for some listeners. Others might argue that the album can feel overly repetitive or indulgent at times, especially in its longer tracks. Overall, Elemental is a daring and bold work of art that rewards those who are willing to dive deep into its mystical realms.

In conclusion, Demdike Stare's Elemental album is a shining example of how music can transcend boundaries and create a unique world of its own. Through its use of vintage sounds, obscure samples, and mystical themes, Elemental invites the listener to a journey through the four elements that feels both ancient and futuristic. The album might not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy exploring the avant-garde side of electronic music, Elemental is a must-listen. So plug in your headphones, close your eyes, and let Demdike Stare take you on a voyage through the elements of earth, air, fire, and water.