Post Apocalypse Now [HTX117] – Sumner – Review

Artist: Sumner

Release: 2023

Label: Heterodox Records

We recently found ourselves diving into Sumner’s new experimental electronic album “Post Apocalypse Now.” It’s a fun odyssey that uses an eclectic mix of pulses, drones and sounds to create a sonic landscape that feels both alien and familiar.

The title track, “Post Apocalypse Now,” kick-starts the album with a tight and beautiful sound that sort of cleanses you – like that little towel they give you in business class on a flight . You can almost visualize the sonic shaman cutting cords, setting a firm tone for what’s to come.

Track 2, “Battle Hymn of Neo-Kaloria,” is a tense, foreboding composition, seemingly inspired by dystopian tales of a far off planet. It’s a driving piece with underlying rhythms that hint at conflict and rebellion.

“Jhakyl Kata,” takes a more minimalistic approach, focusing on a repetitive motif that gradually evolves throughout the song. It’s a testament to Sumner’s ability to do more with less.

“Xero was right” immediately stood out to us with its somewhat optimistic tone and fun synths. It’s a track that hints at a narrative, sparking intrigue about what this Xero character might be talking about.

“Fields of Lapaca” dials up the intensity slightly with catchy bass beats that create a sensation of wandering through an ethereal wormhole – not the chaotic one, the one where the exit is mapped. The song subtly invokes a sense of peace amid the chaos.

“Jasyndyl’s Dissent” breaks from the atmospheric vibe of the previous track, adopting a more pulsating, urgent tone that captures a sense of … forboding? It shows that Sumner isn’t afraid to change gears and take risks.

“Surfing Ley Lines,” presents, in our opinion, a bright, hopeful atmosphere with its fluid and melodic flow. It’s a standout on the album and brings a much-needed uplifting mood to a desolate galaxy.

“Krojga Run” was really off putting. It offers a sense of escape, but not the fun escape – it’s like you’re being pursued. Why is electronic music so stressful?

With “Trisilian Delight,” Sumner takes us back to a more laid-back atmosphere, a sweet interlude of depressing sounds that allows a momentary breather before the grand finale.

“Life in The Cyberpunk Disco,” the album’s lengthy closing track, brilliantly tricks you into believing that you’re listening to the first of a new album. Then you notice that all the elements from the previous songs have been melded into a dystopian dance party that leaves you reflecting on the journey you’ve just undertaken.

“Post Apocalypse Now” is a depressing journey through a transparent dystopian world. Its atmospheric quality, combined with its willingness to shift tone and mood, makes it an experimental triumph. The electronic beats and synth lines are meticulously crafted, a testament to Sumner’s creative prowess. This isn’t an album for those seeking the typical electronic sound; it’s a bit moody and demands an open mind. But for those willing to take the leap, it’s a journey well worth undertaking. If the apocalypse sounds this good, then sign me up.