Tyondai Braxton – HIVE1

It’s no secret that former Battles member Tyondai Braxton is one of the most talented musicians around today, but as displayed on the bloated and indulgent Central Market that isn’t always beneficial. Thank goodness his new collection HIVE1 is so clinical, near utilitarian in its approach. Using his highly acclaimed ensemble performances from the past 12 months as a starting point HIVE1 has the impression of a variety of ideas conversing, heading into impossible tangents only to agree with each other in a roundabout way.

The constant shift of textures from the swarming microcosms showcased in K2 and Outpost to the crisp, clubby Amlochley pace the whole record fantastically whilst able to create and dismantle worlds of their own. The finale Scout1 reassembles the album and gives it the percussive treatment concluding one of the most exhilarating minimalist albums of recent memory.