X by Strøm

"X" as the unknown, "X" as a reference to time. "X" as a definite position between possibility and contingency. The album X by the Swiss band Strøm works with remix as a method, explores the potential of the origin. Or the result's? The work on the concept album started with an improvised piece by Gaudenz Badrutt (analog synthesizer) and Christian Müller (contra bass clarinet and live effects). In a process of intense live sampling by Badrutt and Müller the starting material was used again, was turned, played, twisted, cut. The result were two different pieces which were respectively remixed twice. One original, six times reworked in layers. What unfolds on the album "X" is the excitement of the beginning, of exploring the traces, of returning to the unknown. Its structure reflects the process of thinking forwards and backwards at the same time: it starts with the last remixes and ends with the first piece.

"X" frames different levels of abstraction, of focus, of examining the duo's wide range of musical languages – noise, drone, deconstruction, analog electronics and digital potential, acoustic and processed sound material. Despite the conceptual rigor, "X" is a playful and improvised, light and subtle re-interpretation and re-flection of the band's musical universe. With their 11th album, the two musicians behind Strøm propose their very own axis to map the possibilities of immediate play and the consistency of instant composing.

In 2016, Gaudenz Badrutt and Christian Müller are working together as Strøm for 15 years. Founded in 2001, the band has played numerous concerts all over Europe and realized many musical and interdisciplinary projects.

MIKROTON was founded in 2005 and curated by Kurt Liedwart, Sergey Kolosov and Christian Müller, and shut down in 2025.

MIKROTON recordings. 2005-2025. Experimental. Electronic. Improvised.

Distribution: Fonodroom (NL), Soundohm (IT), Squidco (USA).

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