Perhaps not a record for everyone, ‘Three Halves’ should be seen more as a learning experience. You see, the album finds itself at the receiving end of a long period of artistic research, with Betterthief exploring the boundaries of contemporary electronic music – both in terms of sound design but also regarding compositional techniques. The results are quite mindbending, with ‘Three Halves’ possessing a rather dark and minimal character, built over low frequencies, subtle textures and punchy kicks. In fact, the American duo states how their goal was to use fewer textures, a factor that makes the album sharper and grittier, while also way more spacious.
No, you are not reading a Curtis Roads’ essay: you have instead just met Betterthief. Composed by Jan Hendrich and Ryan Honaker, the duo has been active since 2015, constantly innovating and refining a unique style, balanced over leftfield influences and pure experimental journeys. Among microsounds and haunting, cinematic energy, the pair seems to have a clear vision of what they want to achieve.
A twenty-minute sonic journey divided into 5 tracks: ‘Three Halves’ really hits the mark when it comes to disorienting the listeners, taking their attention to an alternate universe, one where rules of conventional music don’t apply. To note, the closing track of the album, ‘Mental Gymnastic’, also features a contribution by Divisor.
Recommended! Discover ‘Three Halves’ on Spotify:
