Theologian & STROM.ec - Hubrizine [Malignant - 2014]Originally released on a limited edition cassette by Annihilvs (12 copies!!) in 2012, Malignant Records' re-release of Theologian & STROM.ec's Hubrizine is long overdue. Given the names involved, it seems strange that the original release was such a limited run. Regardless, Malignant once again delivers the goods to the experimental community. Basing their works on a shared appreciation of Philip K. Dick, the two genre stalwarts work together to produce an engaging work that is very different from their original styles. Starting with STROM.ec as source material, Theologian re-sculpted and re-engineered their work, taking almost two years in the process. The resulting product is fairly soft and somewhat sparse, but all within its own terms. "Involuntary Dilation" has a scattering of light, effected piano over widely spread echoes and reverberations. Like the slow breakdown of a spacecraft with the light of a cold star permeating the view, the spaces between the events are as important as the action itself. STROM.ec's presence can really be felt on the follow up, "EM-19." After a brief, Tim Hecker-esque beginning, harsh vocals and spread synth patterns are overlaid over quickly oscillating notes. Still sweeping and sparse, "EM-19" adds a sense of urgency to the album. Then, like a fever dream, "Ubik" and its echoes and gauzy feel takes the listener on a dreamy trip through an ambient, industrial period. Bookended by rougher patches, the central piece of "Ubik" allows the listener to drift, dream, and sway at purely their own pace. "Hubrizine" makes up the largest portion of the album. Clocking in at over eighteen minutes, this slow burn, drone affair dawdles along picking up friendly drones while it ambles toward its destination. At first soft and dreamy, "Hubrizine" encounters rough buzzing and vicious vocals. The end is different from the beginning, sure, but the journey is well worth it. There's a sort of carnival vibe to the warbling tones in "Exegesis." Not sure why, but this, along with "Ubik," gives me a Victorian England vibe. Theologian begs the listener to break out his yoga mat on "World War Terminus." Soft, luxuriant drones fill this ambient piece and carry the listener on its gossamer wings. Returning to a more comfortable, synthy bit of noodling, the loops in "Flow My Tears" rise quickly and fall like the policeman's tears. Upbeat and fairly propulsive, with a haunting vocal, this is a wonderful way to end the album. Despite the normal, punishing nature of these two scene juggernauts, Hubrizine shows a lot of softness and restraint. The sparse drones take their time to unfold, and it gets better with each listen. Give it the time it deserves, and this album will help you get to somewhere better. Paul Casey
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