Avant-Garde music from Hu11

Electronic project of classical composer Tom Tolleson, working under the moniker Hu11, delivers a mind-bending and boundary-pushing album with Gosub Coda. Released on the Dymaxion Groove record label, this eight-track instrumental album showcases Hu11’s ability to create emotionally engaging and artistically challenging music by weaving together experimental processes, custom instrumentation and a fusion of futuristic techno textures and shifting rhythmic structures.

From the opening track, “It’s Not Up to You,” Hu11 sets the stage for an immersive and innovative listening experience. Sparse textures of swelling synths and staccato shots gradually evolve into a kaleidoscopic tapestry of contrasting sounds and stuttered rhythms. This experimental approach creates an ever-changing sonic landscape that keeps the listener captivated and engaged throughout the composition.

“Send the Sky to Order the Soil” takes a minimalist approach, offering a sparse yet powerful landscape of deep rumbling bass and piquant rising tones. The track exudes a sense of tension and anticipation, drawing the listener into its atmospheric world. As the composition progresses, Hu11 masterfully balances elements of space and restraint, creating an intriguing sonic space for exploration.

“I Never Get Away With Anything” delves into a spacey whirlwind of fuzzy tones layered over a subtle beat. The track embraces a sense of otherworldliness, transporting the listener to a dimension where ethereal sounds intertwine with rhythmic pulses. Hu11’s ability to merge different sonic elements seamlessly is clear here, resulting in a compelling and immersive sonic experience.

With “Obligation Number 3,” Hu11 creates an eerie atmosphere that’s disrupted by pounding bass and warbling synth shots. This glitchy slice of experimental electronic music pushes the boundaries of conventional composition, showcasing Hu11’s willingness to explore forward-thinking soundscapes and push the limits of sonic experimentation. The album concludes with “My Warmest Jacket,” a composition that blends ominous bass lines with machine noises that flicker and fly in the mix. The beat builds up with spliced vocal samples providing a melodic anchor point, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. Hu11’s ability to create tension and release within the composition adds depth and complexity to the overall listening experience.

Gosub Coda is an album that defies easy categorisation. Hu11’s music transcends predictable harmonic progressions and avoids falling into the trappings of synth-wave. Instead, Hu11 presents an avant-garde sound which is both thoroughly enjoyable and constantly surprising. Inspired by personal experiences in travel and environment, Hu11’s compositions evoke a sense of exploration and curiosity, inviting the listener to join in the sonic journey.

With this album, Hu11 establishes himself as a visionary artist and composer. By merging traditional composition methods with advanced sound-design techniques, Hu11 creates a sonic universe which is unique and captivating. Gosub Coda is a brilliant showcase of Hu11’s ability to challenge musical norms and push the boundaries of experimental electronic music. It’s an album that demands repeated listens to fully appreciate its intricate details and innovative approach.

Listen to Gosub Coda below