by Daniel Kussy
Built out of the ashes of Abbotsford post-punk quartet Blessed comes Ritchot Textiles, the latest project from longtime collaborators Drew Riekman, Mitchell Trainor and Reuben Houweling. Their first release as a group, i is born out of love for droning synthesizers and loaded sequencers, all while crafting a minimalist yet rich pairing of industrial electronic and krautrock. It’s not at all surprising to know that it was created entirely using only analogue equipment.
A dark undertone seeps throughout i, comparable to that of a Nine Inch Nails song, as heard through the discrete synth humming in the bridge of “Coward” and on “Hero,” reminiscent of a Metroid track with a haunting synth and a sparse beat lingering throughout the track. Riekman’s lyrical haziness provides textures only the Cocteau Twins could fully understand. The consistent force behind each track is the percussion, specifically the use of a physical drum kit and how the intensity with which it’s played grabs the listener. What’s most impressive is how it captures the vibes of different tempos while maintaining that intensity that runs through your ears. The relaxed saunter on “Heaven” carries the charisma of a slow-motion entrance in a film. The climax on “Weight” hits a euphoric centre between Silver Apples’ “Seagreen Serenades” and Fatboy Slim’s “Right Here Right Now.” The droning guitar paired with the screaming cymbals on “Coward” make a strong headbanger.
While the melodic complexities of Blessed demanded the attention of its listener to keep up, all Ritchot Textiles asks is to listen with your body, and move accordingly.
For fans of: Cocteau Twins, Nine Inch Nails, YMO, Silver Apples.
