The Pitch: Underer is the solo project of New Jersey avant-garde multi-instrumentalist Nick Shellenberger (also of Cleric, Shardik). FFO: Cleric, Swarm Of The Lotus, Genghis Tron
What I Like: The Code is an anarchistic collision of programmed drums and improvised bass that tells a chillingly personal tale over the course of seven mentally taxing tracks. Harrowing screams and eerie, unsettling synth work compliment the abrasive instrumentation, ranging from noisey sessions of mathy freeform jazz to haunting ambience and rumbling, bass-driven doom. I'm particularly fond of the the very Genghis Tron-esque mathcore madness of "Lady." The keys/programming on this one are all over the place from almost dancy electronic melodies to spine-tingling synthetic chorals. It's a real journey of a 7+ minute track with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Critiques: The second half gets a little too abstract even for me, but I'd say that's less a criticism than a matter of personal taste.
The Verdict: While admittedly exhausting, The Code is a very impressive feat of solo songwriting and the perfect companion piece to Cleric's 2017 album Retrocausal. If you're tired of predictable music with the same old bag of tricks, Underer is definitely the project for you.
Flight's Fav's: Lady, Steven, Miniature Jimmon
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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