In today’s fast-paced world, where the fleeting moment is often lost to the hustle, there exists a realm within contemporary music that serves as a sanctuary for memory and reflection. This realm, explored by the eclectic artists featured on Radix Tenebris of Kolektiv Radio, offers listeners sound collages that weave together the past, present, and future into a cohesive auditory experience. Through the lenses of genres that defy traditional classification—like the humorously coined “Vapor Dub” and the emotionally charged IDM (Intelligent Dance Music)—we embark on a journey into the heart of contemporary music that is both nostalgic and groundbreaking.

The term “Vapor Dub” might draw a chuckle, but it represents a deeper urge among artists to carve out niches that resist the simplification of their art into broad, unnuanced categories. It is a rebellion against the “random genre rug” laid out by critics lacking creativity, a banner under which unique explorations of sound like Vegyn find their rightful place. These artists, among others, extend the lineage of IDM, a genre known for its intricate soundscapes and emotional resonance, drawing from the first ripples created by the wave of vaporwave aesthetics.

This movement is not isolated. It resonates with the ethos of synthwave, a genre born out of a love for the “cold and melancholic melodies” of synths, which listeners embraced while sidestepping the gothic label. Such genres highlight music’s unique capacity to merge the tools and melodies of yesteryears, transport them into our current moments, and offer glimpses into what the future might hold—a sentiment beautifully encapsulated in the listener’s reflection that music “is the one true medium” bridging time through sound.

Central to this narrative of musical storytelling are the pioneers who crafted its foundations. The most well-known and widely acclaimed project of influential, prolific dance producers Mark Pritchard and Tom Middleton, Global Communication is the duo’s outlet for ambient techno and house explorations, alongside Boards Of Canada, Four Tet, and others who have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of how stories can be told through music. Their work, characterized by its intricate compositions and profound emotional depth, has paved the way for a new generation of artists to explore the sonic possibilities of storytelling.

Among these modern torchbearers is Space Afrika, a duo whose decade-long tenure at NTS Radio has showcased their exceptional skill in music selection, presenting sounds that evoke a sense of place and timelessness. Then there’s the “maestro” Oneohtrix Point Never, whose cinematic soundscapes have the intricacy and emotional weight of a feature film, crafted layer by painstaking layer to unfold a narrative that resonates on a deeply personal level for the listener.

The Guardian’s recent highlight of Vegyn’s new album a “90s trip-hop-inspired turn from an English producer” underscores the trending nature of this fractured, instrumental storytelling. Yet, as some listeners have astutely noted, this form of storytelling was never truly absent. It has been evolving, shaped by artists who understand the power of music to capture the essence of human experience, to reflect on the past, and to imagine futures yet unseen.

In summary, the contemporary music scene is rich with artists who are not just creating sounds but are weaving complex tapestries of memory and emotion. Their work is a testament to music’s enduring ability to serve as a conduit for human expression, transcending time and space to touch something universal in us all. As Radix Tenebris continues to showcase these sonic pioneers, listeners are invited into a world where music is not just heard but felt, where each note is a thread in the larger fabric of our collective human experience.

The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions by Vegyn adds another layer to this tapestry, blending nostalgia with innovation, and reminding us that within the sonic landscape, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Give at a listen and sit back and enjoy:

https://vegyn.bandcamp.com/album/the-road-to-hell-is-paved-with-good-intentions

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Posted by the author of the Radix Tenebris show, airing every Monday 1900–2100 at Kolektiv Radio.