RECORD REVIEW: ‘Shapeshifter’

Voice of Saturn’s debut full-length is a kosmiche voyage beyond computer limitations

Shapeshifter Cassette Cover.595fd9f8e5790
Photo credit: Courtesy DKA Records

 

Since 2006, Travis Thatcher (one-third of electro-funk glam-pop outfit Judi Chicago) has used Voice of Saturn as a musical moniker for his more techno, hardware and noise-focused compositions and recordings.

With his first full-length release as Voice of Saturn, Shapeshifter (out July 10 via DKA Records), Thatcher embarks on a kosmiche voyage using an array of synthesizers ranging from Frankenstein’d modulars to newer analog gear, as well as VOS’ custom-made synths, sequencers and hardware, often recording directly into an old tape machine and re-amping through old guitar amps. The result is a cosmic space tape that maintains ethereal composition, blissed-out in bleeps and bloops, and an absence of human vocals, replaced by harmonizing androids to the tune of glitchy textures and a cavernous echo.

The tape follows a trajectory from takeoff to landing, probing with slow-gazey opener “Monolith,” which sets the tone for atmospheric ambiguity as the listener is transmitted into orbit with “Exitstrategy.” The tape delves deeper with more adventurous tracks such as “Rechnenderraum” and “Contunnel” as Thatcher rides a minimal pop wave of rhythms and beats with dark droning undertones, bent circuitry and 8-bit glitch sounds galore. Voice Of Saturn’s strongest elements are illuminated in “Ionoco,” an Apollonian track with harmonizing circular bits orbiting over a spacey stereo hum, cultivating an experience of transgression, gravity and ethereal whooshing.

More subdued tracks such as “Trim” prepare for landing as “Lowpath” is awash in static and a jolty tremolo-induced finish. The tape’s lilting motion continues with the celestial, easy-going “Planafix,” mirroring the energies of “Exitstrategy.” Shapeshifter’s closing title track encompasses all of the album’s features with dark glitching and hissing bits simmering throughout. Voice Of Saturn pushes beyond the plane of software, using as much hardware, and thinking as far outside of a computer’s limitations as possible, embarking on a space- and krautrock journey that’s both laid-back and elevating.

Voice of Saturn plays 529 on Mon., July 10. Free (donations at the door). 9 p.m. With Landing, Anticipation, Feast of Violet and Caesium Mine. 529, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E. 404-228-6769. www.529atlanta.com.