Review
Olekranon
Danaus

Inam Records (2013) Cheryl

Olekranon – Danaus cover artwork
Olekranon – Danaus — Inam Records, 2013

When a band or label is as difficult to track down as Olekranon or Inam Records, then you know you're in for an experience. The chap behind Olekranon - Ryan Huber - is also the chap behind the label but getting a hold of them via the magic of the internet has proved to be a fruitless endeavour. There's a bandcamp page for the project and a discogs presence out there, but that's the most that can be found. That's alright though, sometimes you want your music to feel a little bit out there and blimey, Olekranon is certainly not within any limits that we've come across before. 

The droned out, beat-based noise that Olekranon produces is at times frighteningly hypnotic and opener "Transfixed" from the project's Danaus does exactly what its title sets out to do. The constant whirring behind a minimal beat builds before cutting off almost too soon - think the odd structures of Vatican Shadow and the way Dominick Fernow heads towards a climax before stopping suddenly. "Nine Streams" continues the looping beat while "Crooked Wheel" forces a painful swell of electronically enhanced feedback into the foreground.

"Coerced" and its repetitive rhythm gives way to the darkness of "Severed" while the curiously seductive "Marionette" curls around the echoing pace, taking a step back into more sultry territory and leaving the harsh sounds of previous tracks behind. Danaus won't be for everyone, but if electronic music is your jam and you enjoy a challenge that Olekranon are a project to sink your teeth into. 

8.0 / 10Cheryl • June 23, 2014

Olekranon – Danaus cover artwork
Olekranon – Danaus — Inam Records, 2013

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