Almost a year on from his captivating EP, 'Artificial Angels', American producer Sycklecell is poised to make his return with 'Rumination'. Set for its official release on the 1st of August this year, ‘Rumination’ is a force to be reckoned with, delivering five new tracks that will cement his reputation as a rising force in experimental, multi-genre electronica.
Born from Sycklecell's expansive sonic palette and influenced by the late 90s and early 2000s electronica, IDM, Trance, Dance, EDM, and more, the new album is a journey for both the mind and the body. It’s an unrelenting release that pushes you beyond the confines of typical dancefloor expectations, unlocking almost psychotropic moments that burst against dizzying highs. It’s an expansive, kaleidoscopic adventure through fluttering synths and arpeggios matched by luscious sound manipulation and modulators like only Sycklecell can.
The album immediately impresses with ‘Reflection of Innocence’, a track that harks back to the ‘90s with its vibrant energy and heartfelt core. It’s a blossoming cut spiked with a stellar combination of pulsating, quick-stepping beats and shimmering synth tones that continuously uplift. Sycklecell has a remarkable ability to weave these intricate instrumental tapestries without ever feeling cluttered, and this lets each track strike heavy with clean cuts. Behind the track, ‘Reflection of Innocence’ is a nod to Sycklecell’s experience of growing up in chaos, and you can feel that through the pulsing tones.
In contrast, ‘Wheel of Suffering’ shifts gears dramatically, exploring a darker, more intense landscape. Sycklecell describes it as "a display of growing anger towards life and the term Samsara 'wheel of suffering' and how that would look through music." It’s a track that lashes out with more forceful, club-inspired, and semi-industrial sounds. Its brooding yet soaring, infused with a cosmic power and intensity that culminates in a chaotic, glitching finale, showcasing Sycklecell's adventurous spirit in sonic storytelling.
The journey continues with ‘Ayahuasca’, a track named for the psychoactive brew, which Sycklecell envisions as "a musical representation of what I would see as an ayahuasca trip to heal from trauma." Its initial lighter tones and more spacious arrangements mirror the beginning of such a journey, gradually giving way to more psychotropic elements as the song progresses, taking flight in a maelstrom of meticulously crafted digital sounds.
‘Sprit Removal’, one of the tracks you can stream now, is described by Sycklecell as "a musical representation of someone opening a personal journal of someone that’s ruminating their past and present." It stands as a glitching, industrial powerhouse, nearly untouchable in its execution and defiant, flourishing tones.
Finally, ‘The Last Goodbye’ closes the album with a poignant touch. Despite the tone of its title, the song is "a nod to the feeling of saying goodbye to a loved one that you absolutely had to say goodbye to for 'sad' reasons and not being able to say goodbye to those you lost." It presents a surprisingly light, almost pop-infused experience where sweeping electronic passages and a less aggressive beat characterise this track, offering a moment of gentle reflection after the album’s intense explorations.
As with his previous release, Sycklecell's artistry lies in his commitment to boundless creativity. It’s a personal, yet wonderfully universal release that pulls no punches and shines brightly with freedom and ingenuity. Set for release next month, ‘Rumination’ is an essential release for anyone seeking electronic music that truly explores the farthest reaches of the musical galaxy.
For more on the road to ‘Rumination’, you can connect with Sycklecell on Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.
