Theory of Colours

Album review

Following a series of EPs for Pictures Music, Ghostly International, and Kompakt which ranged from shuffling garage to dreamy tech-house, Dauwd made his full-length debut on Ninja Tune sublabel Technicolour. At a lean seven tracks, the release is the equivalent of two EPs from the producer, but he branches out from his previous styles, and the wider scope makes this seem like a turning point in his career. Working primarily with analog synthesizers, he crafts tracks which are a bit hazy and experimental. Several cuts are infused with lightly choppy breaks which bring to mind Floating Points, and a few obscured voices briefly appear, popping out like thought bubbles. Tracks such as "Leitmotiv" and "Glass Jelly" seem more lo-fi than his past works, coming a bit closer to outsider house artists like Huerco S. or several L.I.E.S. signees. He ventures into downtempo IDM on "Murmure," which is embellished with chimes and mysterious French whispering. He takes his time and stretches out on the nine-minute "Unconscious," gradually dropping in drum breaks and lonely synth ripples along with the low-key yet detailed beat. Dauwd takes more risks on this album than on his prior releases, and it ends up being his most rewarding work yet.
© Paul Simpson /TiVo