Radian
Chimeric - THRILL JOCKEY
FILTER Grade: 83%

It’s been four years since Radian has released a new album and almost just as long since the trio of Austrian noise pioneers have performed together live. Taking something of a sabbatical from the band, the three retreated into their own lives and projects (collaborations, soundtracks, running Mosz Records) before returning with a fresh take on their highly rhythmic soundscapes. Having recorded the last two albums in Chicago with label mate John McEntire (Tortoise, The Sea and Cake), Chimeric was recorded at home in Vienna. Everything about the new record seems to show that fact as well. The instrumentation is much warmer and more acoustically focused than before, although the knob-twitchery is still present, keeping things interesting. Live recording sessions are chopped up but still flow remarkably well together. While many previous efforts have relied heavily on razor sharp rhythm sections (perhaps through McEntire’s behest), the new album is much more subdued yet at the same time, more adventurous in what it accomplishes.