Orphx – Learn to suffer

Today the fusion of techno, rhythmic noise, EBM, industrial is not so uncommon, thanks to the work of pioneering projects and DJs like Adam X, Ancient Methods, Silent Servant, Ontal, Regis, Surgeon, and Orphx. The last one is a Canadian duo (Rich Oddie and Christina Sealey) active since 1993, delivering with every album of theirs something different and unique. Ambient, rhythmic noise, techno, industrial, field-recordings, IDM, dub and much more: you name it, they have explored it in more than one way, mixing, fusing, and deconstructing genres.

Since 2009, starting with a series of EPs for Adam X’s label Sonic Groove, they have been publishing works crossing over even more with the world of techno-industrial, achieving a game-changing release with the album Pitch Black Mirror (Hands Productions, 2016). Now they return with the 4-track 12” Learn To Suffer, which follows suit with pieces based on their recent live performances, inspired by an improvised approach where EBM, techno, noise, modular synths, drones, crawling bass-lines and shouted vocals concur to an engaging sound, perfect for a dancefloor, or a riot as well.

Different ethos, sounds, atmospheres, becoming one thanks to incredible skills honed by decades of experience, attitude, and experiments without boundaries. A sound for a modern age, a celebration of the possibilities of electronic music seen not as a dogma, but as the sound of the future. Rivetheads and ravers will find themselves together once again, in a communion which is getting stronger and stronger with time.

Solipsist opens the work with abrasive ambiances and slow percussions, soon adding controlled rhythms and eerie synths. The track grows into a serpentine affair enriched by modular sounds and rhythmic obsessions, following a path in which new elements show themselves along the way. The result is a continuous crescendo, underlined by ominous layers and a growing tension with a plethora of hidden suggestions and movements.

Bare life surprises us with its stomping techno/EBM ride with throbbing bass-lines and shrilling industrial effects, mixing sharp sounds and compulsive rhythms. Captivating snare-drums move amidst gray soundscapes, while filtered vocals chant an old-school mantra. Severe distortions and manic sounds complete the scene, while hard drums march triumphantly among the sound-ruins, dwelling into a final noisescape.

Pain is a teacher is introduced by a sampled laugh, while rhythmic patterns moves swiftly among the following dialogues. Minimal rhythms ensure a hypnotizing mantra, soon reached by modular sounds and obsessive grooves. An acid atmosphere dominates the track, once again showing the love of the duo for the more psychedelic side of techno, while evocative synth sounds return at the end.

Tröma Nakmo ends the work with its stomping bass sounds and crispy effects, generating a new droning mantra underlined by aggressive atmospheres and a growing rhythmic pattern. It’s not hard to envision a dark and sweaty dancefloor, while the drum strikes hard and old-school techno lines guide us among sudden distortions. A futuristic ritual is achieved, fusing grim layers, infectious grooves, and stark beats. The last part of the piece sees militant rhythms and a closing dissonance.

To listen to Orphx is to listen to masters of their craft at work. They don’t just cross sounds and genres, they mix together different moods and directions, effortlessly and seamlessly. You will never find a clumsy or patchy moment, something which doesn’t add or work, but at the same time, nothing sounds as forced or contrived. There is a spontaneity, a constant flow of ideas, in which everything finds its spot and place. If you call yourself a fan of industrial-tinged techno music, you can’t miss this release.

Label: Sonic Groove

Rating: 9