Hierarchy – Tense
(Affin, 2021-09-08)
Nope, Hierarchy is not a newcomer in Affin, he’s the artist formerly known as A Sacred Geometry. His label under the same name, originally created to distribute self-releases, started to welcome various artists, so it was time to operate a clear distinction between the artist and the label, a bit like Motion Symmetry did with NFEREE.
On Affin, Hierarchy already collaborated under his ASG moniker on a few VAs, and “Tense” comes as the first EP entirely dedicated to him on the treasured German label.
The artist made his debut in 2015 as a producer, designing polyrhythmic drums straight from the beginning, sustained by long aerial pads, in the vein of the Scottish school, complemented by some acid sonorities. Affin is also rooted in this deep sound and this is therefore no surprise to see further collaboration between Spieth and him.
Six years later, we take note that the drums are still polyrhythmic in each of the three tracks, maybe slightly more complex as sensed in “Hiatus” in particular. The opener “Tense” and the outro “Two Figures” also contain aerial pads while having exchanged the acid sounds with acid spirals. No doubt: Hierarchy has been able to find his sound since day one and sticks to it over the years, with the advantage to get honourable expertise on the aesthetic.
As a result, the work is particularly well-designed: we also sense the amazing rendering brought by genius Gio from Artefacts Mastering, who must have had a lot of fun in the process.
There is not really a conceptualised message in this project, but each of the three tracks has for sure “something to say” for those like you who speak their language: “Tense” creates an interesting tension, both with the impactful drums and the percussive built up, making the track an efficient dancefloor gem when played loud. “Hiatus” comes as a deep mantra with impressive drums in front, setting up a solid wall against life’s anxieties, covered by the deep comforting drone. “Two Figures” seemingly opposes the sound of peace to the sound of war, with the first element dominating the second, and bringing a certain fascination to the contemplative process.
From the substantial spaces and textures creating the scene to the “nostalgic” ambient pads and hypnotic spirals, everything is made to get lost in the music and get an overview of the infinite – as long as the loop button is on…
WRITING BY: BRANDON MOREY & CEDRIC FINKBEINER | 13 SEPTEMBER 2021
