Blanck Mass – White Math

 

Good news, there’s a new Blanck Mass 12″ coming out!

Benjamin John Power is Blanck Mass and also one half of drone duo Fuck Buttons. On his debut effort, he provided listeners with a slow, calming and incredibly deep listening experience. It was 10 tracks of long, drawn out drone music. It was quite relaxing, often hypnotic and always interesting. I saw him play live at The Cluny not so long ago and it was an incredible show.

However, on his new effort things have changed. Instead of the dreamy, sometimes frightening soundscapes, BJP has opted for a more upbeat style. Revolving around a repetitive and gentle beat, it still has the same feeling as that first record. It’s not overpowering, it’s not obtrusive but it is intriguing. Clocking in at just over 11 minutes, absent minded listeners may blow it off as boring and inventive but I find it quite the opposite. It’s the whole feeling to the music that why it works so well. That’s the whole idea of this type of music. It pushes melody and rhythm to the side and concentrates on the more cerebral side of things. It brings back memories of listening to The Orb and the ambient excursions of Aphex Twin. It’s not just a rehash of the past though, its a new take on things.

The White Math / Polymorph 12″ is out on August 21st through Software Recording Co.

Gig Preview: The Great Northern present Blanck Mass

 

Newcastle based promoter The Great Northern (formerly Get Involved) are bringing the northern city yet another night of fantastic music.

This time it comes in the form of Blanck Mass, side project of Fuck Buttons member/founder Benjamin John Power. Fuck Buttons are know for their noisy, beat heavy, electronic drone music. Blanck Mass seems to steer away from that sound. Yes, it’s still the same concept, but it’s done differently. Blanck Mass eponymous debut was put out on Rock Action Records last year. It pushes aside the loud and abrasive sounds we’ve heard before and opts for a more ambient sound. Layers upon layers of lush waves of noise engulf the record. It concentrates on building atmosphere and manages to convey a strong mood with the most subtle nuances in sound. It’s prefect if I’m honest. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing this in a live setting. I’m hoping it’s going to be as loud as possible so I can completely immerse myself in it.

 

Supporting is Waskerley Way, Newcastle’s answer to Washed Out. I don’t know if that’s fitting, but I’m making the comparison anyway. But yeah, WW is a one man barrage of glitchy, lo fi, electronic pop. It could be described as many things, but it always manages to be creative and that little bit different . He’s a pleasure to see perform live and will be a perfect addition to the line up.

Check out Waskerley Way on Bandcamp

 

On top of that Distraction Records will be DJ’ing on the night, spinning tunes for our ears.

Yet another great offering from The Great Northern! They seem to be putting on some great gigs. First Errors, then Future Islands, Young Liar and now this.

19th March @ The Cluny. £6.

Tickets available here