The Director’s Cut: VC-118A – Waves Of Change [Delsin Records]

Following up VC-118A’s ‘Spiritual Machines’ album on Delsin, the ‘Waves Of Change’ LP continues to expand on his signature crooked machine rhythms, blending analog and digital processes to create nuanced tones and textures. The fluid synthesis and sound design which permeates tracks like ‘The Deep’, ‘Stream’, and ‘Replace Image’ might well be considered a sonic metaphor for the ever-shifting state of the universe, while the reliably crisp rhythmic structures applied to the likes of ‘Heat’, ‘Club’ and ’Elektri’ have a metronomic quality as steadfast as time itself.

It’s the extended immersion of the standout track ‘Motherboard’ that offers the most complete summation of the album’s qualities, coursing through subtly vivid soundscapes guided by elegant, constantly probing drums. The snatches of voices that emerge through the mix are those of van Dijk’s parents, sampled from a discovered box of tapes from the mid-80s when they were both sound artists.

“‘Waves of Change’ is a timestamp of the development of my music tastes, directions, and abilities to make music. It’s music that tells a story, exploring downtempo rhythms and space between the notes, perfecting the groove. The album invites people to ask questions: what is change, and what does change do to us?” – VC-118A

Samuel van Dijk, known for projects like VC-118A and Multicast Dynamics, Mohlao, and, together with Rasmus Hedlund, Dialog, is known for crafting immersive, atmospheric music blending dub, ambient, and experimental elements. As VC-118A, he balances the disciplines of machine-powered sequencing and hand-shaped sound, resulting in mesmerizing records steeped in craft and loaded with intention. With ‘Waves Of Change,’ the Language of Colours label boss takes his established sound into downtempo and experimental realms, offering a clear-sighted focus on the idea of change, resonating with the accelerating states of flux in our lives.

How to listen: There are a couple of ways to proceed. First, you can listen to the whole album, which you will find below, and then read the notes. Or, read the notes as you listen to each track. This will completely change your perspective on the whole release itself and bring you closer to the artist and their work.

1. Heat

The whole album came together through a set of downtempo tracks that were made for a live performance in Warsaw 2021. This track had a prominent sound: the drone that carries the opening of the album, marking a new start. Lots of precise micro transients, adding to a detailed groove.

2. The Deep

This track came together playing around with samplers, and synthesised voices – patching back in the analog mixing desk with hardware inserts. Arrangement recorded on intuition, and dark drone carrying the theme through the second chapter of the album. Pads are a throwback to atmospheric sounds I used to make back in the starting days of making tracks.

3. Stream

This track has at least seen 12 versions or so, before landing in the album mix. Originally started out as an soundscape-only track with nighttime field recordings of a rainy Helsinki’s central railway station. Still missing that final groove element, the arrival of my vintage Roland SH-101 resulted in a bassline to match the slow-motion atmosphere.

4. Glub

Urgent groove with a heavy snare drum, sonars blinking out from the fog. Having a Roland TR-606 back in the setup made me realize how effective simple equipment can be. Hardware processed drumsounds from this little silver drummer added up for the swing and spice.

5. Motherboard

Using tapes from the early 1980’s – containing samples from my now-separated parents who were originally sound/visual artists. On the track, you can hear first my father Andrew McKenzie (Halfler Trio), followed by my mother Terry van Dijk. Both recordings are believed to have been recorded in a time period just before they met.

6. You

Hardware live-recording, testing out a budget compressor. Added elements of bass, percussion, and kick drums afterward. I like that this is a constant track, with a progressive arrangement. Controller randomised elements add to the bouncing beats, for a hi-tech, nostalgic soundscape.

7. Replace Image

I love Detroit-inspired sounds, melodies, and dusty deepness. This track came together with a lo-fi approach of mixing it entirely through my Roland RE-201 Space Echo. Playing live with the preamp input, eq, spring reverb, and intensity to give the sound movement and variation. Holding the working title: I love my space echo.

8. Echo Drop

In retrospect the most down-tempo cut on the album. Using synthesized voices, linking back to the trip-hop/instrumental era from the 1990’s. Drums are TR-606 through an old Boss mixer with hot gain. Could well be a track for vocals..

9. Elektri

All about the drums and swing in the variations/fills. I like how this track came out with punch, energy, and a conga-like sound. It’s a minimal track, but always seems to draw my attention – and transport me to a dense deep space jungle.

10. Ufonic

The closing track is dedicated to friendship. The name is inspired by the planned 3-festival Ufonic in August 2021, which was ultimately canceled. Tickets already booked to Rome, we decided to meet up with a group of friends, and artists from the festival – recording three days of material, resulting in a wealth of material. Source material inspired by the track ‘Wasteland’ by Miller & Keane.