Formen - Impulse
2021 | ES-005 | Edition of 37
In Impulse, Formen delves into the aesthetics of glitches and randomized arrangements. He modified vintage 16-bit effects units, cascading them through internal patch points to craft a distinct, glitchy sound. True to his approach, all tracks were performed live by Formen on a large mixing console. The entire album consists solely of live recordings, created without overdubs or subsequent editing. The arrangements stand out for their generative, randomized character: rhythms, harmonies, and melodies evolve unpredictably within the constraints defined for each track. This technique is one Formen primarily employs in his electro-acoustic art installations.
Formen seamlessly incorporates the analog method of live dubbing into the aesthetics of digital noise, creating a unique tension between heavy rhythms and distorted textures.
The tape edition covers were designed collaboratively by Ines Emertasol and Formen, and each one was handcrafted. The covers, created as folding designs, function like minimalistic origami that must be unfolded to access the tape. Each depiction on the covers is randomized, making every piece one of a kind.