Ekoplekz live set

(From FACT Magazine)
We've blogged before about the uniquely dark stylings of Ekolplekz, and since then, his 12" for Punch Drunk has been on continual repeat on the stereo. Connecting the dots between Daphne Oram, Merzbow and Bass Clef, he imbues the lead-heavy textures of industrial noise and radiophonic soundscaping with a warped sense of rhythm and deep skanking vibes. Whilst Stalag Zero / Distended Dub touched on Throbbing Gristle, Einsturzende Neubauten and the post-punk sound, his live set is a more melodic and spacier proposition, full of depth and warmth. Here it is on Fact magazine's soundcloud.


Ekoplekz' blog, World of Eko, is a great resource for the discerning analogue fiend - full of snapshots of vintage hardware, links to some beautiful soundscapes, and some seriously cool artwork.

Ekoplekz - Stalag Zero / Distended Dub

Ekoplekz - Stalag Zero / Distended Dub (Punch Drunk)
Wow. Punch Drunk's 20th release, following on from their four year compilation Worth The Weight (to be reviewed once I get my promo copy) is a massive departure from previous releases. I've loved the stuff Punch Drunk have put out from the likes of Joker, Gemmy, Pinch et al, but this is totally different to anything that's gone before. No syncopated percussion, no wobble bass, no purple wow synths; Ekoplekz makes experimental electronic music with just enough distinct rhythm and percussion to avoid the "noise" bracket. His productions are created using tape recorders, broken electronic equipment and rare analogue machinery, and remind me of Cabaret Voltaire, Throbbing Gristle or Einsturzende Neubauten. Punch Drunk have always been a dubstep label, but the only contemporary of Ekoplekz' warped drones I can think of is the recent Chris Carter re-issue on Optimo music, or the darker works of Machinefabriek. Loop-heavy, squalling electro based around extending and contracting samples that feel like the groaning lungs of some gigantic machine. Awesome.

Limited to 300 copies with the definite disclaimer that "No reissue means no reissue"