Embracing the Sound: A Journey Through Foote/Dickow’s High Cube
“High Cube is a record you can embrace front to back and finish with the slightest of hope to hear more from the duo in the future.” This sentiment captures the essence of High Cube, a collaborative effort between two stalwarts of the electronic music scene: Brian Foote and Paul Dickow. The anticipation surrounding their debut project invites listeners to explore the intricacies of their musical landscape, a task that has only become more accessible in today’s digital age.
The Changing Landscape of Electronic Music
The electronic underground has undergone a significant transformation. Once, immersing oneself in this vibrant world required navigating independent record shops and scouring niche periodicals for the latest trends and hidden gems. Today, however, a treasure trove of DIY sounds from around the globe awaits just a click away from your laptop or smartphone. Despite this abundance, genuine dedication to the craft remains a rare commodity; few musicians withstand the test of time to carve out lasting legacies.
Out of the vastness of this landscape are two figures who embody resilience and passion: Brian Foote and Paul Dickow. For nearly three decades, these artists have immersed themselves in the music scene, refusing to be swayed by the industry’s economic pressures or the allure of more stable careers.
Meet the Artists: Brian Foote & Paul Dickow
Brian Foote is a versatile artist known for his eclectic range, from leftfield house to databank techno. Under the moniker Leech, he curates a repertoire that reflects his deep curatorial instincts, particularly showcased through his co-founding of the innovative Los Angeles label Peak Oil. His involvement with Peak Oil speaks volumes about his commitment to pushing musical boundaries, as he helms a roster celebrated for its abstract minimalism and dub techno.
On the other hand, Paul Dickow, through his long-standing project Strategy, has expanded his sound over the years. From the ambient lull of Drumsolo’s Delight to the energetic beats of Boxy Music, and the dub-infused textures of Graffiti in Space, Dickow embodies a multidisciplinary approach to electronic music, perfectly complementing Foote’s experimental ethos. The merge of their sounds sets the stage for an exciting new venture.
The Birth of High Cube
The collaborative debut High Cube emerges from a singular creative process: Foote and Dickow worked side by side, surrounded by a defined array of equipment, focused not on perfection but on letting the music flow naturally. This approach forges an atmosphere that is simultaneously loose and structured, allowing their unique musical identities to merge seamlessly.
The album is a sonic exploration that successfully melds techno, ambient sounds, and experimental beats, resulting in tracks that feel effortlessly groovy and inviting. Their long-standing friendship and shared musical sensibility create a cohesive sound that resonates throughout the LP, marking a definitive chapter in their extensive careers.
Highlights from the Album
Among the standout tracks, “A Dragon’s Treasure is its Soul” and “Yonaguni” occupy special places as the figurative and chronological centerpieces of High Cube. The former intertwines crunchy percussive hits with expansive synth sounds, balancing between a pulsating rhythm and a contemplative vibe. This track showcases the duo’s ability to play with space and texture, inviting listeners into an audio landscape that feels both inviting and unfamiliar.
In contrast, “Yonaguni” dives deeper into a fuzzier sonic palette, with percussion driving the rhythm. The track explores a rich tapestry of sounds that ebb and flow, hinting at transitions in time signatures and evoking a sensation akin to a vivid dream. The kaleidoscopic quality of the production wraps listeners in vibrant patterns of melodies, crafting an immersive experience that captivates and intrigues.
The Beauty of the Process
One of the most compelling aspects of High Cube is its inherently casual vibe. The record embraces the nuances of friendship and creativity, capturing the spirit of collaboration in a manner that’s both reflective and forward-thinking. It straddles the line between ambient and techno, presenting a sonic depth that invites repeated listens. This is music designed not just to be heard, but to be experienced.
The album stands as a testament to Foote and Dickow’s enduring connection and shared vision. Each track brims with a rich sonic sensibility — bright, dense, and inviting from the first note. It’s an offering that feels like a glimpse into the duo’s creative world, and while it stands sturdy on its own, it also stirs excitement for what might come next.
High Cube is currently available via Geographic North, and for those eager to experience physical music, vinyl copies can be purchased from Inverted Audio Record Store, providing fans a tangible connection to this extraordinary collaboration.
TRACKLIST
- Volcano Snail
- Underwater Welder
- A Dragon’s Treasure is its Soul
- Yonaguni
- Ofid+wor
- Mother of Thousands
As we dive deeper into the album’s intricacies and interludes, there is little doubt that High Cube will find its place as a cherished addition in the lives of underground electronic fans, igniting hope for future collaborations and explorations from this dynamic duo.
