Reckonwrong's Debut Album: A Wonky Delight with Shades of Arthur Russell and Robert Wyatt
Londoner Alex Peringer, operating under the alias Reckonwrong, has captivated underground club scenes for over a decade with his intriguing and outlandish approach to dance music. His early work, characterized by dizzying time signatures and wry narratives about unfulfilling relationships and misadventures with pills, drew inspiration from diverse genres such as UK funky, new wave, and even sea shanties. After several years of near silence, Peringer breaks his hiatus with the self-released debut album, How Long Has It Been?, marking a significant departure from his previous sound while retaining traces of his eccentric flair.
A Shift in Sound and Theme
At first listen, How Long Has It Been? appears starkly different from Peringer's earlier productions. The discordant constructions that defined his dance tracks have been replaced by the warm, tinkling tones of the Rhodes electric piano and ostensibly earnest sentiment. The album embraces winter as its central theme, making it a fitting soundtrack for this transitional time of year. Its stories delve into introspection and dodgy weather, set against soft, simple arrangements that create an atmospheric bedroom-pop vibe.
Despite the polished surface, subtly wonky elements prevent the record from sounding overly guileless. For instance, Before and After slips in a reference to a "fateful bong," adding a touch of whimsy. On the dreamy duet Two Lovers, glitches cut through the twinkling keys and mumblecore guest vocals, introducing an element of unpredictability. Elsewhere, tracks like Black Keys feature wavering chords, contributing to the album's collection of gorgeous and forlorn instrumentals.
Echoes of Musical Legends
The left-field flourishes and strategic use of echo on this album evoke comparisons to Arthur Russell's World of Echo era, known for its experimental and emotive soundscapes. Tracks such as Water of Life and I'm Not Me channel the woozy melancholy and quiet drama reminiscent of Robert Wyatt, blending introspective lyrics with minimalist arrangements. A considerable part of the album's charm stems from Peringer's delightfully off-kilter vocals, which stagger between registers, adding a layer of raw emotion and unpredictability.
On the sprightly title track, How Long Has It Been?, Peringer's vocals sound close to breaking as he reflects on an ex's new baby, before undercutting the sentiment with an affectionate dig. Even in his least serious moments, these songs teem with feeling, showcasing a depth that resonates with listeners. This blend of eccentricity and heartfelt expression makes the album a standout in the contemporary experimental music scene.
Other Notable Releases This Month
In addition to Reckonwrong's debut, several other notable experimental albums have emerged this month. London group Index for Working Musik presents Bunker Intimations II on Tough Love, a brilliant and haunting set of recordings born from an intense three-day improv session. The tracks oscillate between hypnotic space rock and creaking post-rock instrumentals, with occasional jaunty folk ballads and symphonic interludes, creating a dimly lit and claustrophobic atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Rise on Music From Memory offers a remastered release of shy, soft-focus vignettes originally recorded in 1991 by Rudy Tambala of AR Kane and Alison Shaw of Cranes under the name Inrain. This collection, now including one new track, features a shoegaze-inflected downtempo sound that feels timeless. Another compelling release is All Shall Go (Long Gone Are the Old Traditions) by Damos Room, a project of London musicians Elijah Minnelli, Luke Miles, and Nicholas Elson. This album delivers a frenzied storm of spoken word, industrial percussion, and murky dub textures, resulting in a dense yet compelling auditory experience.
