Now, there is absolutely no excuse for you to not have heard of the penumbra on the electronic scene that is Black Tiger Sex Machine, but if you have managed not to notice that they reached the number one spot on the Dance Music Charts on iTunes last Friday with their latest LP New Worlds, here’s a little bit about it.
BTSM has released three singles so far from the epic LP. ‘Zombie‘ ft. Panther, ‘Madness,’ a collaboration with Sullivan King, and ‘Lyons‘, another collab with DJ duo YOOKiE. Each single has been a snapshot of BTSM’s venture into the sounds of a post-apocalyptic chaos realm. Through the eyes of electronic music’s darkest of production teams, listeners are provided a glimpse of what a crumbled world would be composed of- ‘War’, ‘Rebels’, ‘Replicants’, and ‘Death’ are all track titles that paint a picture of an inevitable, grim future, on the edge of reality, gnashing at the last flames of society.
Impressively, the trio manages to take their sound to a higher state, while maintaining their dark nature. Tracks such as ‘Broken Machines’ still have that punching, high-energy rhythmics that is still dance music, but the horns echo like they were bounding off the sides of abandoned sky scrapers, and the bass booms, but also breathes a little too like a life form.
‘Replicants’ is another stand out track that label mate Apashe collaborated on. This tract is an aphotic thrill ride. Using effects that are reminiscent of a distant hover craft, a robotic voice sample warning of non-humans, and a blaring alarm-horn, the build up to the track is so theatrical, it should have been part of the Blade Runner soundtrack. The sound and style in this song is true Black Tiger Sex Machine with its cascading effects, icy, automated sounds, and overall unrelenting bass-viciousness.
‘Madness’ is a mash up, between alternative rock elements, and drum and bass elements, this rock-trap track steam rolls its way through waves of trippy guitar riffs, and high energy dance electro rhythms. ‘Madness’ is a frenzied banger, with rabid, scream-o style vocals, and unhinged from any trappings of classification.
BTSM never shies away from intensity and ‘War’ shows listeners how it is done. Allowing for complex textures in sound choice, along with some classy hip-hop rhythms, and striking string-synth progressions, but for the hardcore electronic blooms, breaking the surface of tight snares. Breaks in the bass lines bring blossoms of twinkling synths, and nothing is rushed to the next drop, but is woven, fastidiously.
BTSM and Lektrique finish off the LP with ‘Death’- a superb blend of BTSM church infusion choral vocal samples, tight tempo, and sinuous shifts between industrial thrashings, and nebulous bass. A break in the voltaic darkness, a shredding electric guitar solo pays homage to the heavy metal influences that prevade BTSM’s aesthetic, and culture.
Black Tiger Sex Machine has been up front with the ideas behind this album, which were based on capturing their attitudes and perspective on both creating and listening to music. Inspired by the tumultuousness of the times we live in, on the precipice of an old way of things, an electronically automated future, and the shifting political ground many of us stand on, New Worlds encapsulates many of the stark contrasts in our current reality. A fragile state of depressed populations hoping for a better, blossoming future. At least the raves will be good, from the sounds of it.
Check out the full LP below, and don’t forget to check out BTSM’s North American Ceremony tour. Click here for cities, dates, and tickets.
