Jesse
Osborne-Lanthier: Unalloyed, Unlicensed, All Night! (Raster-Noton)

Raster-Noton’s unun series is named after the periodic table’s elements from 111-119, wherein each new element is named with latin numbering (unun = one one = eleven). Montreal/Berlin-based producer Jesse Osborne-Lanthier’s entry is his first for Raster-Noton and also the last in the series (119). The music feels like the convergence
of all things Raster-Noton with a streetwise edge. It has as much in
common with the cyclical patterns of Mark Fell as it does with the
frantic rhythm kit of footwork, starting with the skittery energy of
“Blackwell Dynonetics,” built around a stabby chord pattern that
bends up and down in pitch over time, awash in reverb as 808 claps
sound off.

“The Zika Slam” may have an insect-like buzz about it,
but it also has the deep low-end hum of UK bass music, like a club
hosted within the beam of a laser. “Integrated Sensor Is Structure”
feels like warring drum machines, firing off snares and kicks at each
other in overlapping patterns that gradually shift into syncopated
regularity. It has the obtuseness that often comes with many of
Raster-Noton’s releases, but it also has some of the cheeky sideways
swagger that one might find on Autechre’s more recent output, several
layers removed from the street but still enough of a groove to trace
it back, but he saved the best for last.

“Lick And A Promise”
makes a lot of noise with its ascending, bending big hoover synth and
banging bulbous kick, hammering away for the duration until it decays
and spins out. This one feels like it has a sense of humor about it,
a different vibe from much of the Raster-Noton cannon. I hardly want
or expect the label to indulge this sweet spot very often, but when
the music does hit that elusive spot just right, it’s good. Fans of
adventurous and sideways electronic music will likely find much to
love on this curious leftfield entry from Osborne-Lanthier.

Buy it: Raster-Noton shop