Banyek - Alue (2024)

Greyscale's 37th full length in total for the label, Banyek's Alue, immerses listeners in a sonic landscape inspired by the architectural wonders of cities like Riga and Espoo. Banyek's journey through sound is not just a homage to buildings but a deep exploration of texture, mood, and atmosphere. Drawing from his experiences and influences, he crafts a mesmerizing blend of dub techno, ambient, and experimental sounds that transport the listener to ethereal realms. The album opens with 'Alue,' a gentle introduction that sets the tone with grainy melodies and mellow dub techno vibes. This track serves as a soft invitation into Banyek's world, inviting listeners to explore the intricate sonic structures he has meticulously constructed. As the journey progresses, 'Harjuviita' introduces a heavier techno beat, punctuated by swirling phased-out sounds that envelop in a hypnotic trance. The track is a testament to Banyek's ability to create dynamic tension and release within his compositions. 'Uimahalli' picks up the pace with its fast, repetitive rhythm and mechanical groove. The polymetric chord grooves add depth and complexity to the track, creating a sense of urgency and energy that is impossible to resist. 'Sumu I.' delves into more experimental territory, with dub ambient transitions that evoke mysterious and otherworldly spaces. 'Lahti' brings a sense of calm and tranquility, with deep dub melodies that evoke the serene beauty of a bay at sunset. The stark melodies are accentuated by the airy production, creating a sense of spaciousness and depth perfectly. 'Mäntytorni' stands out with its intriguing main chords, which are delicately balanced against each other to create a vintage Chain Reaction-esque atmosphere. The track is a masterclass in minimalism, with each element carefully sculpted to create tension. 'Sumu II.' serves as an ambient interlude, creating unique and evocative spaces for the listener to explore. The track is a journey through sound, with ethereal textures and atmospheric drones that inspire thinking and imagination. 'Nelostorni' has a dreamlike quality, with airy melodies and crisp production that strive to new heights. Lastly, 'Nauha' closes the album with rigid loop-editing inspired by Frank Bretschneider's early minimal dub albums. Overall, Alue is a masterful exploration of texture, mood, and atmosphere, with moments of dancefloor potential woven throughout its sparse, grainy soundscape. Banyek's strong production and expert craftsmanship shine through in every track.