Vector Rituals by Stefan Goldmann

Proprietary rhythm: Vector Rituals sees techno polymath Stefan Goldmann constructing polymetric rites of percussion. Synthesized from the ground up, metric properties, timbral characteristics, dynamic expression and microrhythmic positioning are shaped by a layered multitude of simple control voltage functions. The result is an assembly of abstract dances ranging from the intricate to the powerful.

Near-humanoid behaviour emerges from liquid patterns, laid out and brought to life by the freewheeling encounter of modular waveforms and snappy envelopes. Sounds evoke metallic textures – ringing, scraping, subduing – and virtual shapes, ranging from tiny spikes to vast surfaces.

Some of the parametric relationships employed are as loose as to imply chance drifts. Others lock in with strict regularity as in the 13 vs. 17 pattern of opening track 'Nayba'. Or consider the strictly repetitive, yet highly asymmetric sequence of 'Yukagir' where each metric step has its own uniquely irregular duration. The drums of 'Tiksi' and 'Valkumey' oscillate between noisily percussive and chiming tonal qualities. The center piece of this collection is certainly 'Ayon', with its multiple autonomous as well as highly agile timelines. Its constituent layers break away in radial fashion and fall back together at widely spaced points of congregation.

All compositions herein are powerful proof of the unlimited capacity of electronic music to yield new principles of organisation and to solidify their expression into clear-cut gestalt.

Tracklist

1.	Nayba	3:45

2.	Oyotung	4:02

3.	Lorino	7:00

4.	Yukagir	5:52

5.	Tiksi	5:40

6.	Ayon	8:12

7.	Valkumey	3:26

Credits

released May 6, 2022

Written & produced by Stefan Goldmann
Mastered by Rashad Becker

Artwork by Jorinde Voigt: Territorium; Öl, Wasser, Strom.
Designed by Viet Hoa Le.

MUSIQUE MACHINE (UK ) 'The title discloses exactly what is at stake in his unique sonic architecture: a ritualistic engagement with the finest details of tone, noise, and rhythm. [...] What is so striking about Vector Rituals is the way in which Goldmann hunts the signal back to its most fundamental structure, generating waveforms that ride the tide between tonal and atonal flutters. Goldmann is in many ways a beat scientist, one who concentrates on the possibilities of signal production and interference at the most primal level – a ritual if ever there was one!' (Colin Lang)

BEAT MAGAZINE (DE) 'Vector Rituals is art that has become music.'

HHV MAG (DE) 'Goldmann works with polymetric patterns and sounds that sometimes have an inherent acoustic sound quality but are completely synthetic. The persistent groove of “Tiksi”, for example, could lead a club set into adventurous realms at the beginning of the evening. After all, that's where the journey was supposed to take us one day, before the four-four beat solidified into convention and techno lost its way straight down a musical-historical dead end. “Vector Rituals” charts the escape route with both determination and modesty. It goes ahead.' (Christopher Kornils)

GROOVE MAG (DE) Essential albums of 2022.

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