Tycho – Music Hall of Williamsburg – February 4, 2012
(Photo: Dan Rickershauser)
Are we living in the golden age of electronic music? If we’re not, one could make a strong argument that we’re fast approaching it. With so much innovation in all directions of the genre, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with emerging frontiers. But somewhere out there deep into the abyss of sonic creativity you’ll find Tycho. Finishing their first-ever U.S. tour with a sold-out show on Saturday night at Music Hall of Williamsburg before heading overseas, Tycho brought a set to Brooklyn that was equal parts dance music and ethereal bliss.
While Tycho is typically a one-man operation led by producer and graphic designer Scott Hansen, bassist Zac Brown and drummer Rory O’Connor joined him onstage. Not only did O’Connor’s live drums add additional punchiness to the set, but they also pushed a driving rhythm to the forefront—leaving Hansen’s space-out inducing symphony of swirling synth arpeggios, somewhat reminiscent of Boards of Canada, sitting just behind these almost trip-hop rhythms.
This aural bliss was all topped with the aesthetic backdrop projections of deserts, ocean waves, icebergs and other assorted colorful designs similar in style to Hansen’s graphic-design work. Tycho finished the set with a bass-heavy rendition of “Coastal Brake,” with low pitches so loud and drone heavy they were more felt than heard. A graphic designer who’s also a musician, ambient music you can dance to, visuals that add to the overall ambiance, bass that’s more felt than heard, electronic music that’s played with organic drums and bass guitars. Does this all sound somewhat contradictory? Such is the emerging face of electronica. —Dan Rickershauser
