Rave Review: Katatonic silentio - acid foundation

When I think of the primordial goop that makes up braindance, I typically think of its ingredients: one part ambient, two parts electro, a spattering of jungle, and a good dose of techno or house. But an often overlooked essential ingredient in the mix is acid. It supplies the raw materials that enhance the flavor of nearly all electronic genres. Katatonic Silentio’s new extended player, Acid Foundation, follows this recipe masterfully, turning on the burners and cooking up some good old-fashioned IDM.

The title track serves as the carefully prepared base of the meal. As the acid begins to boil, the music’s thermal qualities heat and expand, creating minute fractures in the broth that gurgle to the top before bursting across the surface in unpredictable patterns. As heat rises from the plumbs of the pot, “Dubbin’ Acid” starts to let off a little steam, wafting lazily outward and adding a seductive fragrance to the room. Lest we fall into a trance from the warm dub, Katatonic Silentio heats things up further and the breakbeats begin to boil. At this point, the cookout becomes less grandma’s recipe and more a witches’ brew.

Things progress with “Velvet Dwellers” as the brew thickens and begins to take on a life of its own. The acid has reduced and concentrated, turning viscous and heavy, clinging to the sides of the pot. Each bubble carries more weight now, popping with a low, rolling force. The flavors deepen as the mixture churns, shifting textures like stone settling at the bottom of the cauldron, hinting that something deliberate—and intelligent—is being simmered into existence.

Finally, “Psychoactive Groove” signals that the dish is done and ready to be served. The lid comes off and the kitchen fills comes alive with heat, funk, and sharp acidic aromas that cut straight through the senses. This is the moment where the cook steps back and lets the result speak for itself, the perfect compliment to an evening of revelry. This acid-laced concoction tastes even better when the room is already a bit sorted. What began as raw ingredients has now coalesced into a veritable feast —potent, delicious, and leaving us wanting more.

(The Lunatic is an Austin, Texas–based raver spreading the good word through his reviews and blog—and by selling the weirdest fucking electronic vinyl around.)