Album Review: E.S.A – Themes of Carnal Empowerment Pt. 3 – Penance

Rhythmic noise is an eldritch gem of the dark electronic music universe. It’s lullabies for people (like yours truly) who keep Masonna in their day to day playlists.

To make rhythmic noise, you take one part harsh industrial and whisk in some dramatic orchestral drums. Then sprinkle in some pan flutes or whatever other new age-y bright accent instrument you have lying around, and distort and overdrive the hell out of all of it.

It’s so awesome.

Have you ever come up with one of those “songs to bring to a deserted island” lists?

All of mine are rhythmic noise. It’s my singularly favourite genre out of a few terabytes worth of music.

So yuh, you bet I’m pretty excited about a new Electronic Substance Abuse album!

Jamie Blacker has become a household name for good rhythmic noise and The Themes of Carnal Empowerment third instalment, Penance truly is the culmination of his work to date. E.S.A is a refined treat of this obscure genre – there are profound harmonies within the chaotic pounding rhythm that instantly gripped me.

E.S.A continues to feature guest artists and obscure partnerships that enrich its soundscapes. The arcanely titled Juju Yako (“Wicked Magic”) was an instant favourite with its disjointed drums and cavernous basslines overlain with tribal chanting and bright bell accents – a juxtaposition that perfectly encapsulates the recurrent motif of mystic sex and repentance in this new album.

Read my full review on The Spill Magazine.

…And please do yourself a favour:

Download Themes of Carnal Empowerment Pt: 3 – Penance from WTII Records or on iTunes.