HYETAL

MODERN WORSHIP (True Panther Sounds)

16/20

Bristol boy David Corney blew the competition away with Broadcast, his 2011 debut album as Hyetal. The record’s ascending synths and roving, John Carpenter-indebted atmospherics marked out a more probing vision than just a collection of DJ functional tracks, something that many house/bass-inclined producers feel obliged to create at some point. Still, his signing to True Panther Sounds came as a surprise. The NY-based, Matador-owned label has an undeniably broad vision, but it’s more likely to be associated with the romantic indie-pop of San Fransico’s Girls than a UK electronic producer. Fortunately, Hyetal falls into that category in only the most fundamental terms. He uncannily imbues even the most stoic, machinistic rhythms with something very human, warm and unctuous, often through expertly layered vocal lines from Gwilym Gold and Alison Garner. There’s a narrative, cinematic quality which sews each thread together, making tracks innately indebted to their predecessors, and each structural element reflective of a staunch overarching ideology. Luminous streetlight flickers and sighing synths are glossy and maximal but never garish. It’s a hugely involving and intelligent listen, confirming Corney’s position among this country’s most talented producers.

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Words: Geraint Davies