As the years accelerate forward and the back catalogue expands, artists like Paradox Obscur seem to challenge themselves to keep things fresh by finding ways to reject banality and inject originality yet retain the framework that defines them. There are patterns identified through empirical data to which the foundations of each track and each idea are arranged. There exists a gentle balance between expectation and expanding the influences that create flourishing worlds where ideas manifest and become part of the fabric of the listening pleasures. Paradox Obscur may not have created the standard operating procedure for sustainability, but they certainly have a few sections and subheadings with their names all over it.
Ikona picks up in Morphogenesis‘ wake. The darker vibes take backseat. There is certainly every bit of Paradox Obscur’s DNA built into the mix however it seems to come across in a more uplifting positive approach. It’s like going from LED to QLED, yielding a more illuminated path with a less analogue approach and changing directions moving towards the digital hardware to expand the range of the already high-level of creativity to the next. All the foundations that make up Paradox Obscur are firmly in place. All nine tracks stand out for different reasons.
Those familiar with Paradox Obscur know both Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor share responsibilities in every design from writing to vocals as well as everything else that thrives in Paradox Obscur’s intriguing multifaceted universe. Kriistal Ann’s voice is unmistakable and found not only in Paradox Obscur releases and Kriistal Ann’s solo projects but seems to be heavily recruited for remixes and guest appearances from dark synth master Gost to classic old school minimal wavers Know. The way the two vocalists breathe their souls into the body of sound demonstrates a sort of symbiosis that creates the foundation for how Paradox Obscur is experienced by the masses. Both hold their own as isolated parts in other projects, but together they form a relentless machine devoid of over-redundancy, programmed to channel every influence, every experience to create something rewarding and timeless for all to indulge.
Nearly every song has potential to be a dance-floor filler. “Luminous” is a wonderful example of sonic surgery with shivery sound that appears every few seconds throughout the first minute, then moves into anthemic fit, laced with electro-futurepop vibes that ring back to 1998-2000. “Rodeo” uses some upper atmospheric beats that feel more airy than aggressive while employing the duality between Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor’s vocals. ”Impulse” is like a cold front sweeping over the land after several warm days. The change is noticeable and perhaps welcomed. The chilly delivery touches the dimly lit areas of the wandering mind confused about a relationship. The pace is slow and ritualistic and takes some electronica influences with a menacing bass presence. The analogue exception track, “Like A Freak” stands out as it injects the necessary adrenaline into the mix to get the bodies moving and blood pumping. The memorable chorus and the waves of rolling basslines will surely interfere with regional seismometers. Although I feel this is a great song that will bring a lot more attention to this great duo, I found it a bit deliberate in its design as compared to the rest of tracks that make up Ikona. Maybe it feels like an attempt to broaden the listener base using something that caters to a more diverse audience both sonically and emotionally? Regardless of how the track impacts me, it just shows Paradox Obscur finds ways to challenge that status quo. From the opening track all the way to the end, we find diverse vocal styles from both artists complimented by the ability to deliver songs where everything seems fit perfectly in three and a half minute doses.
It seems like every time I get a chance to share my thoughts on a new Paradox Obscur release I end saying “This is their best offering to date”. Well, nothing has changed. This album is tremendous. The duo has shed the darker vibes that permeated and possessed the earlier releases such as Artifact and Anacrusis. Over the 10 years, thankfully, Paradox Obscur refused to keep making the same album over and over. With each release they found ways to push the boundaries of their expression while retaining the foundation that brought them where they are now.
Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor find themselves releasing Ikona via Metropolis Records, which is great for Greek duo’s ability to get their records more widely distributed and reach more fans. Finding Ikona in local shops is a win for the consumer as well as the artists and the label. I am making a trip to Philadelphia this weekend to visit Digital Underground and get myself a vinyl edition of Ikona. Maybe you should too?
Hopefully we will see Paradox Obscur in the USA sometime soon?
