#pointbender

8DPromo · Smok - The Source (Viva Recordings)

Smok’s latest release on Viva Recordings brings us an arctic blast of deepness. The Finnish producer has had a slew of success recently on labels like unquantize, Atjazz Record Company, and his collective’s Youth Control label. "The Source" is a chilling soundtrack well suited for the winter months, with ethereal swirls and floating, haunting strings that accompany a steady, pulsing bassline. Austin based (and Harmonious Discord Recordings label boss) PointBender teams up with the Viva crew for his first time on remix duties for the label on the flip side, lending a slightly more melodic and spaced out flavor to the remix. Keyboard stabs that sound like they are something alien, along with longer, drawn out peaks and and valleys make this remix the journey cut on this single. Whichever mix you like, just buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Steve ‘Griffo’ Griffiths (Fluid radio show) – “It’s hard to decide on a fave, but the original mix is slightly ahead at this moment (but subject to change).” Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “The original is very good.” Wil Russell (Pop Out and Play) – “Pointbender gets first place for remix duties here. Nice switching about and a shuffly shaker makes it a good little groove.” Tony H (Late Night Munchies) – “It’s the PointBender remix for me.” Joe Silva (Purespace) – “Beautiful sounds and just that edge of darkness. Well done.” Simon Kirk (Proton Radio) – “Beautifully deep work from PointBender. A real delight.”

8DPromo · PointBender - Violaceous (Harmonious Discord)

Music creation is not all hype and roses, and few understand that as deeply as Harmonious Discord owner and synthesizer composer Sean Anderson aka PointBender. His fourth artist album is a two-and-a-half-year journey into a growing studio discipline formed by a worldwide pandemic. In a time when humans felt so lost, the importance of being close to music and the artist community was a healing force that was ever-powerful. Calm, almost serene at times, to points approaching mania. Sean encompasses the entirety of the spectrum of human emotion in sound. Violaceous is a journey through deeply moody ambient, heady electro, and boundary-bending house and techno music. Creative concertos process moments of joy, grief, and experimentation. This stand-alone album offers a musical listening experience all its own. From the ambient and melodic beginnings of "Conflict" and "SY35" — which feature live clarinet instrumentation, experimental synth applications, and manipulated field recordings — to the deeply textured electro offering "CBD." For "Agent of Peace," we see PointBender partner with longtime collaborator KiloWatts for beautifully constructed ivory implantations that elevate the bliss factor. "Plastic Cities" is an homage to the early Plastic City sound, featuring the vocals of Suza Kanon who originally released recordings with Sean on the Guidance and Fair Park imprints. Shifting powers to more playful arenas is "Mistakes Are OK," a fun and bass-centric smooth mover that progresses into haunting overtones. Keeping it light, the undeniable weightlessness of "The Bells Found Me Motionless" collides staggered bells, growing pad tension, and sonically special drums into a growing cacophony of layers. Capping off our ascent is "Altocumulus," an homage to early hard techno composed on all hardware and recorded linearly in real-time with friend Harmon Giddles. The final descent offers a sonic reminder of forgiveness and understanding channeled through a synth-driven ambient outro. Violaceous, a collection of creative curiosities, aims to please the ears and at times tickle the cerebrum, a familiar formula from PointBender.

Alvaro Hylander (DeepWit Recordings) – “Plenty to play here. Lovely release. Will support on my radio show.” Michael de Hey (Circle Records) – “Excellent release, thanks!” Tony H (Late Night Munchies) – “Lovin’ the vibes of Mistakes are OK.” Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle radio show) – “Great work again from PointBender. Plastic Cities in particular is a gem.” Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “Sy35 is such a lovely piece it had to be the fave. Some great tracks jostling for the coveted silver.” Jon Barnes (Airpusher) – “yes! Funky, spacey, original. Mistakes are OK and CBD are the ones for me.”

8DPromo · KiloWatts & PointBender - Western Wolf Remixes (Harmonious Discord)

Last summer Harmonious Discord released a rare vinyl feature highlighting two long-time label creators, KiloWatts and PointBender. The EP featured deep, cerebral journeys like “Circling the Crown”, pulsating nighttime anthems like “Western Wolf’, and low-swung cross-over classics like "Swangert." For this release, the two producers enlisted the brainpower of close friends, returning artists, and consistent innovators to help celebrate 20 years of the label. Included in this set is the return of house music legend Demarkus Lewis. Demarkus remixed Morgan Page on Harmonious Discord in 2004 and his applied skills to this project produced two fantastic flavors of "Western Wolf," ripe with bumping movement. Behind The Sky boss and genre-bending force, Bluetech applies his deep knowledge and context to deliver a beautifully evolving masterpiece. Berlin’s Noah Pred explores innovative angles of bio-mechanical feedback with a beautifully growing, often organic feeling re-imagining. The project starts off with a musically elevated remix of “Swangert”. Bluetech sets free the dithered musical undertones with modulated synth patterns that dance romantically by and through each other. The vocal treatment enters cosmic terrain while the subtle bass jamming keeps a funk focus flowing. Next up is the Deez Puppy Chow Mix of "Western Wolf" which tames the elements of the original into a body-moving selection prime for rocking big-sound speakers. The remix reaches peak-time tension with the introduction of expertly crafted acid lines. The following Deez Acid Free Remix delivers the same energy without the frontal acid line, but more emphasis on rising effects patterns that maintain the level of insanity. Our final guide into the deep crevices of a-cult warehouse worship is the Acid Reign Remix by Noah Pred. Pred doesn’t hesitate to get into melodically complex corners from the start and leaves plenty of room for sonic expansion as his synthesizer elements embody a mind of their own. A true embodiment of Harmonious Discord's 20-year celebration is perfectly captured in this high-powered collection.

Colin Dale (Abstrakt Dance Records) – “A solid EP with some really cool sounds.” Anthony Pappa (Bedrock) – “Noah Pred’s Acid Reign remix is cool.” Rory Hoy (Howlin’ Records) – “I really like the Bluetech remix. Funky stuff!” Scheibosan (Shanti Roots) – “I like the acid on Deez Puppy Chow Mix.” Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) – “An intriguing release.” DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Great new takes on some excellent originals.” Simon Kirk (Proton Radio) – “Powerful remixes. Truly forward thinking music.”

8DPromo · KiloWatts & PointBender - Western Wolf (Harmonious Discord)

KiloWatts is best known for his immersive albums that fuse organic instrumentation and synthetic manipulation. PointBender has released a litany of remixes, albums, and singles across many of the industry’s silent giants. Both being no strangers on the HD imprint, it felt prudent to release their first collaborative vinyl release to celebrate Harmonious Discord’s 20th anniversary. The genesis of the Western Wolf EP was formed in dark warehouses and dirt dancefloors in the late 1990s in Dallas, TX — a truly special time and location in electronic music. However, it wouldn’t be until tens of years later, after multiple individual albums, EPs, and back-and-forth remixes that KiloWatts and PointBender would write music together using the power of the internet. The Western Wolf EP is a collection of songs marrying electronic synthesis, found sound recording, live instrumentation, and written melodies. The EP starts us off with “Circling the Crown”; a slow-building tease that navigates through all points deep. Fluid rattles and dulcet tones define the pace as layers drift in and out, ultimately rising to the introduction of perfectly tempered dub bass. “Western Wolf” turns up the tempo and energy with sharp percussive accents and subdued pads. The introduction of distorted bass slaps and arpeggiated synths start to steer the piece into stronger dancefloor territory when a breakout of melodic chords shifts the mood to lighter ground, showcasing a selection that sails through multiple moods. The Dub version of “Western Wolf” strips out the more overt melodic elements in favor of a slowly building track perfect for threading through abstract house and techno sets. The project ends with “Swangert,” the not so typical B-side. In this track, the duo explores parts unknown outside the confines of traditional dance music with a highly swung and constructively complex slow burn. Phased leads and short percussive bass accents flower this song, keeping the momentum solid until the end. Look for more from this dynamic duo in months and years to come, including a follow-up remix EP featuring some very exciting artists.

Richard Hardcastle (All Out War) – “Heavy EP! Western Wolf Dub hits hard. Swangert is a real groover. Yeah!” Jamie Kidd (BYC Music) – “Nicely produced. Western Wolf is lovely.” Nick Warren (Hope Recordings) – “Circling The Crown is very cool.” Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) – “A nice evolution of electronic dance.” Sandro Bianchi (Ibiza Sonica) – “Excellent release. Love it!” DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Fantastic vibes from these 2 amazing producers.” 5volts (Social Isolation) – “Gorgeous sounds! KiloWatts has that special ability to create a sense of wonder through his music. This is no exception.”

8DPromo · Patchen - Night Skies (Harmonious Discord Recordings)

Harmonious Discord artist Patchen is back at the controls with a peek at his long-anticipated album Southwest Passage, out later this year. Patchen is resident sound designer and longtime contributor to the HD catalog since the release of Pale Blue Dot in 2007. A key track from the forthcoming Southwest Passage is “Night Skies”, a lovely serenade to stargazing. To help celebrate this single, HD boss PointBender, resident space-traveler KiloWatts, and bright and budding star 1981US provide their unique takes on the expansive night sky. The original is a synth-driven slow burn that carefully tempers sound design with classic synth arpeggiations. Warm 8-bit melodies dance around the four-on-the-floor construction, carefully building momentum with periodic rises and reprises. PointBender ups the tempo and takes things deep with woody percussion, live bass licks, and mounting layers of atmosphere. KiloWatts breaks the beat and propels the piece into epic territories with light arpeggios broken up by processed bass notes. 1981US goes subterranean with tinges of urban tones and natural accents on a proper deep garage take on the original. Be on the lookout for more bites from the upcoming album as well as the full length available this fall.

Jon Fugler (Fluke) – “Really enjoying this. Simple, infectious & very funky. It's a close call between the original and the Pointbender mixes for me, and the other two are worthy opponents as well, lovely.” Joe Silva (Purespace Recordings) – “Stellar and varied collection of beautifully executed music.” Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “Excellent release.” Sean Johnston (Hardway Brothers) – “Lovely stuff, original, will give the Kilowatts and 1981 spins.” Igor Marijuan (ibiza Sonica FM) – “Wow!” Taigo Onez (Bang Le' Dex) – “Beautiful release! The warmth here is amazing. Full support.” Mason Rothert (Below Zero Radio) – “All of these are great - really love the original.” Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “4 Masterpieces - cant wait to spin these..So cool. Thanks guys.”

For many people, the rich tapestry we experience is a mixture of shades, hues, and palates that paint a vibrant and ever-changing outlook of our world and its changes. For Jeffrey Tice much of that tapestry is undefined. Born color blind, Jeffrey interprets art through a restricted lens. That has not stopped him from loving and appreciating the diversity of the world. Jeffrey’s music bursts with color, defying uniformity. A mainstay on the Harmonious Discord imprint, Jeffrey’s sound has evolved to encompass his many years of experience living in Austin and San Francisco, within two of the most vibrant music communities in the country. Chromatic is a five-selection project that weaves through intricate shapes and colors with common uplifting themes and progressions. Chromatic lifts spirits and moves feet with perfectly tempered, well-intentioned grooves. Jeff decided to use a TB-303 throughout most of the EP, carefully distinguishing its use in each selection. In “Chromatic,” the 303 sits on top of perfectly placed melodies and collides with ever-ascending energy. “Haruspex” opens with dulcet synths and quickly drops into a proper dance floor rhythm. Tones rumble and dance as the song builds. Keeping the vibe light but the precision exact, “Haruspex” drives us deeper into the chromatic scape. “Once Again, My Friend” changes the mood with a rough-edged acid creeper. Packed with intensity and nostalgia-inspired vocal work Jeff offers a driving rendition certain to spark foot movement. Label front-man PointBender joins the project to offer a different take on the acid journey. In normal ‘bender fashion, the remix offers similar roughness with a smooth interplay of bass and synthesizer construction. The remix culminates in a melodic reprise of colliding synthesis amid blurred vocal abstraction and driving percussion. “Last Dance for Dionysus” closes the EP with class. Percussion-filled and west-coast inspired, this selection brings the fresh waves of the bay to the listener.

Nick Warren (The Soundgarden / Hope Recordings) – “Chromatic is a wicked track, and I’m digging the PointBender remix as well.” Taigo Onez (Bang Le’ Dex Radio Show) – “This is sooo nice! Haruspex is my favorite, although I love the full release. This is a beautiful body of work.” Tyler Stadius (Deepsite) – “Love the acid!” Matt Prehn (Oh So Coy) – “There’s something catchy about Chromatic, fresh take for sure.” Miles Buckingham (Radioactive FM) – “Finely textured and propulsive.” Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) – “Last Dance For Dionysus is the cut!” Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Loving the sonic diversity of this release with Chromatic and the PointBender remix topping my chart.” Jeannie Hopper - (WBAI FM) – “Excellent sonics on this release, Wow! I’m loving Chromatic and Haruspex.” Jennifer Kyle (Radioactive FM, Wellington) – “Awesome bit of Acid, great release all around.” Hober Mallow (Mighty Reel show) – “Beautiful EP, I love the flow and emotion of it, especially on Chromatic. Full support!”

Harmonious Discord label boss and abstract artist PointBender reimagines Dusk Frontier with Dusk Remixed, featuring remixes by Dorian, Murr, and a PointBender redux. PointBender is the moniker of Sean Anderson, an independent artist living in Austin, Texas, who has also released work on imprints like Guidance, Thoughtless and Blaq. Label mainstay and Carmen San Diego of monikers Brad Dale offers up an interpretation through his Dorian moniker. Brad has been featured on the label in many forms, most notably Molecule, Echo Conscious, and Ishi. A man of many talents and musical precision, Brad offers up a pensive rework formulating the hypnotic vocal takes into a backdrop of classic deep house atmospheres. Propelled even deeper by heavily plated live guitar and bass, Dorian’s rework puts the subconscious on auto-pilot as intensity and uncertainty mount. Lal co-pilot and independent artist Murr pulls in his twist of events, focused more of the range of vocals. Murr stays true to his signature methods, presenting shades like linear algebra, where the sum amounts to so much more than the parts. Our final rework comes from PointBender himself, offering up a stripped down, beat-driven alternative. This collection of remixes pushes more experimentation on the dancefloor while retaining some of the hypnotic elements of the original but with greater intensity.

Alinep (Asia Music) – “The Original Mix is tops.” Raconteur (Stranjjur) – “PointBender Redux is solid! I also dig the Murr Remix.” Eric Davenport (Guesthouse) – “Solid production and song writing.” DJ P-Rez (Not So Fast Records) – “Yes!! This is a great release.” Makossa (Luv Lite Recordings) – “Solid Deep Vibe.” Brian Bacchus (Summit Sessions Radio Show) – “Dorian’s Concrete Remix has a beautiful natural feel … really balances the vibe of this track.” Salvatore Logicfusion (Deepinradio) – “Fresh and beautiful. Thumbs up!” Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Brilliant. I love Dorian’s Concrete Remix.” Hightower (JELEWA.de music blog) – “Nice EP. Nice vocals. Full support!” Sumsuch (Colour and Pitch) – “My goodness, this is special. Such beautiful tone and phrasing. I will be playing this a lot.”

Harmonious Discord label boss and abstract artist PointBender returns with Dusk Frontier, his third and most expressly creative full-length album yet. PointBender is the moniker of Sean Anderson, an independent artist living in Austin, Texas, who has been putting out back-pocket releases for over fifteen years on imprints like Guidance, Thoughtless, Blaq, and his own imprint. Dusk Frontier is one-and-a-half years in the making and features collaborations from Toronto-based vocalist and Lal frontwoman Rosina Kazi, Texas-based dub artist Vegenaut, and techno artist Matthew Thompson. Sean took a new approach to constructing this album, focusing on recording single takes of audio directly and limiting himself to outboard gear with minimal computer intervention. In addition, the album features a multitude of live instrumentation with recordings of guitar, bass, drums, and clarinet alongside some personal field recordings. Dusk Frontier embodies a new outlook and direction for PointBender as an artist and is a taste of the future of the project.

Among the highlights is the title track which is a mixture of deep moods and cinematic overtures supported by driving percussion. Rosina Kazi provides a wide range of vocal phrases and complex harmonies over a field of growing synthesizer interplay. For "Brain Mud", Sean teams up with Vegenaut, a cross-genre artist with a flair for off-kilter glitchy dub works. Together they create a messy slow burn with smooth bass and a competing mixture of leads and synth sketches. There's also "Dub Creature", a canonical example of PointBender’s signature cinematic sound. Tightly controlled dub chords build into a druggy midnight bouncer with bass slides and plenty of dark arpeggios. The album closes with "Three Complications", an '80s-inspired piece that toes the line between indie-dance and a proper Balearic house song. There's much more to dig into here … each selection has its unique lens and language. Dusk Frontier is a thoughtful narrative on the boundaries of electronic music and how to push past cemented dance floor formulas.

Nick Warren (Hope Recordings) - "An excellent album. 'Brain Mud' and 'Dub Creature' are very fine." Atish (Desert Hearts / Robot Heart) - "'Dusk Frontier' has an amazing vocal, and 'Dub Creature' has a really nice deep waviness. Actually I like all the tracks in some way … quite a bit to explore here!" Anthony Pappa (Red Light District / Bedrock) – “Cool album. Some nice tracks here that will be used.” Massimiliano Pagliara (Live At Robert Johnson) - "Digging 'Three Complications'." DJ Aldrin (One With Music, Singapore) - "Wow … nice one!" Kazuumi Ishii (Electronic Directory, Japan) - "A deep yet beautiful album." Adam Warped (Whiskey Pickle / Strange Days) - "Nice work. Really enjoying the drone like ambience of 'Intro to an Aircraft'." Alinep (Circle Music / Time in Manila) - "Big album here … all tracks are quality." Harry Avers (NOICE!) - "Solid release … enough ear candy to listen to for days." Jay Douzi (Runtomorrow) - "Digging this album … 'Steam Morris' is dope! I'm going to play it out this weekend." Tariq Ziyad (Nu Urban ERA) - "A truly impressive musical journey. This is a great dance music album, the likes of which we used to get in the golden era. Excellent." Esette (Substation Recordings / Girls on Decks) – “I’m loving ‘Passive Casio’ & ‘Three Complications’. This is a fun release with lots of diversity.” Lee Guthrie (Click Therapy / Wiggle) – “’Pferd’, ‘Dusk Frontier’, and ‘Passive Casio’ all very nicely done.”