Album Review: Arca - Xen

10 November 2014 | 2:18 pm | Cam Findlay

"What’s pretty bloody genius about it, though, is its continuity."

More Arca More Arca

Arca was one of the three producers on Yeezus, and it’s clear who was behind the more futuristic and industrial sounds there.

Xen might just be trying to be a post-modern-esque, Vangelis-loving weirdo soundtrack of the highest degree. There’s barely melody, with the Venezuelan relying on textures and a heavy, heavy hand on the wonk knobs instead. The 15 tracks fly by, most under three minutes.

What’s pretty bloody genius about it, though, is its continuity; weird flits and beats pop their heads up throughout the album, tying everything together in a wonky, obscure package.