Raime and Blackest Ever Black: two names that
have been inextricably linked since they made their debut together in
2010. Across the Raime EP and a further two for Kiran Sande's
label, the duo of Joe Andrews and Tom Halstead have carved out a
singular sound, drawing on the desiccated sonics of '70s and '80s goth
and industrial, jungle's pulpy dystopianism, and claustrophobic bass
weight tapped from either dubstep or doom metal—depending on who you
ask. It's a finely poised hybrid that, in its apocalyptic sincerity, its
brooding stylishness and effortless originality, seems the perfect
articulation of the BEB ethos.
It's fitting, then, that the duo's debut LP is also the first original
album-length release for Blackest Ever Black—a landmark moment for both
parties. Part of Raime's power undoubtedly lies in their reticence, and
it's significant that the seven tracks on Quarter Turns Over a Living Line
serve to more than double their total output. In tackling the album
format, there was always a slight risk that the duo would overreach,
losing some of their potency in the process. Fortunately they've done
nothing of the sort, crafting a 40-minute statement of intent that
remains focussed without becoming monochrome, and injects fresh blood
into the Raime formula without sacrificing its considerable early
promise.
via Resident Advisor (read rest there)
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