Immersing with an inventive, dynamic electronic prowess, Ascension is the new album from Bear Beat. The project caught our ears in previous years with multiple tracks — the hypnotic “Mahoya Shine” and stylishly melodic “Bring You Down” — and Ascension continues that knack for both atmosphere and climactic structural unveilings. Coming ahead of ample new material and plans to take his music to the live stage soon, Ascension is the commencement of something special for Bear Beat.
The album’s opening title track grips with the type of anticipatory, electric appeal that comes throughout the album. A meditative, mantra-like vocal procession swells seamlessly into bass-y ruminations and an eventual synth arp shimmering, taking off into a second half with soulful vocal samples, whirring electronic elements, and pulsing rhythmic infectiousness. Another standout, “Aminata” builds with more immediacy, as bustling percussion and jumpy bass meld into a haunting electronic soundscape with chilly vocal samples. A more vibrant, club-ready catchiness takes hold around mid-point; the track dazzles in its balancing of dark and light tonal components.
“Close My Eyes” is another impressive showcase in diverse tones and rhythmic precision, weaving smoothly from dreamy spaciousness and gorgeously soulful vocals into a mid-point that reminds fondly of Flying Lotus in its dexterous percussive work. Finale “Shadow Of The Heart” is also a stunner, featuring a riveting vocal display that swells into a fantastic drop in the final minute — full of life and replay-inducing energy. Ascension is a gripping electronic success from Bear Beat.
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The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Electronic.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
