Kinship by Artefakt

Dutch live-act and DJ duo Artefakt prepare their atmospheric debut album on renowned techno imprint Delsin this February.

Known separately as Robin Koek and Nick Lapien, the pair first appeared on Field Records before follow up releases on Prologue, Delsin and Konstrukt. Individually Nick has been making waves under his Lapien moniker, dropping productions via Fred P’s Soul People Music, Finale Sessions, Rekids and DVS1’s Mistress Recordings, whereas Koek’s intricate sound design work has been performed globally at the likes of Toronto, Viseu, New York, Ohio, Berlin and Amsterdam.

True to their distinct mesmerising aesthetic, the album commences with a suspenseful number named ‘Kinship’ that combines sweeping pads with ominous tones. Pattering drums introduce ‘Tapestry’ before ghostly notes are brought into the equation, leading into ‘Entering The City’ with its rumbling low-end and soaring harmonies.

Next, ‘Somatic Dreams’ initiates with stuttering stabs as distorted nuances operate throughout, making way for the chugging ‘Fernweh’ with its ethereal synths and sci-fi throbs. ‘Return To Reason’ then incorporates heady acid squelches and hypnotic tape delays before opulent chords conclude the package in an ambient finale titled ‘Tapeloop 1’.

Kinship portrays a compelling narrative in a body of work that will undoubtedly keep listeners engaged from start to finish.

There is no antidote for the future industry. Artefakt represents techno rooted in aesthetics of decayed tape, musique concrete and squatting partys. Resonances of machinethinking.