About this item

A narrative of an imagined alien colony existing between the fabric of known / unknown worlds, Thug Entrancer’s 'Arcology' explores high tech / low life society, mechanical structures, and data-driven humanity in an evocative techno framework.

Though 'Arcology' was conceived in a similar improvisational womb as Ryan McRyhew’s debut, the new album moves subtly from free-form footworkouts of 'Death After Life' with an expanded palette vibrating brightly with melodic deployment.

“Curaga” and “Exo-Memory” triumph over established 303 / 808 interplay with uplifting melodies - ear-worms from outer space; “Bronze” pumps dub-tectonics within a minimalist reduction of Death After Life's modus operandi. Lighter than most of McRyhew’s output, album interludes “Low-Life”, “VR-Urge” and the finale, “Xeno”, beam satellite ballads through alien atmospheres.

“Ryan is a rare breed of producer+thinker who is able to hallucinate worlds beyond his music that recursively influence his sound. His understanding of science fiction's speculative potential combined with a virtuosic ability to program hardware synthesizers make him a techno fantasist of the highest order.” - Dan Lopatin

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: This one came out of the blue for me actually. Despite being a big fan of Oneohtrix Point Never, I hadn't heard of this upcoming release on his 'Software' label. Ironically, this release is distinctly hardware, and it sounds like it. Pumping acid basslines, ambient passages and LOTS of attitude. Just obtuse enough to be interesting but without alienating anyone who likes a bit of old-school.Including a 303, 404, all the other numbers, and all the fun.