Sword

Shin means “truth” in Japanese, and, reflecting this in his own special way, Xhin´s music is a symbolic quest for the holy grail of a brainy and crystalline techno sound. And which weapon would be more suitable than a Sword to cut through the haze of misconception, the half-cooked vagueness and the blistering non-substantiality that characterizes a lot of electronic music output? Originally hailing from Singapore, it´s interesting to see where Xhin takes it. With his former releases resonating a concentrated harshness that leaves a metallic aftertaste, it´s great to see that he helps himself to a widened spectrum, his modi operandi: IDM abstraction, the backbone of this long player, sparkling piano keys, breakcore drill sounds, and of course the roaming techno vastness Xhin is so well-known and appreciated for. Wafting out of the closet where best-kept secrets are safely stashed away, silent, zany openers, and interludes crackle and break up the abstract yet melodic sound that lets tracks like 'Medium' sound like stairways to a forth dimension. Half way there, 'You Against I' reflects the critical stage of counterpositions. Neither forward nor backward, stuck in a heavy struggle, the sounds do not permit movement in any direction. 'This Is What You Drew When You Were Half Asleep' shows best what happens when consciousness slips. A subtle fade-out for what is a claustrophobic haunt through light and shadows...