After a several year hiatus out of the purview of musical releases, “Protocol” EP heralds the return of Austin Techno artist Apellum in a newly inspired showing of their musical prowess.
Throughout the past few years, the southern US has seen a massive uptick in artists and promoters putting their hat into the industry rink and pushing the scope of musical interests and normalcy. Though not as well known, Austin and Dallas have found themselves in a musical uprising of sorts. The techno movement is becoming a larger factor in the regional culture which has in turn led to more and more artists putting themselves out in an attempt to showcase their own interests and styles. One such artist has decided to come back to the front lines of music, releasing a new, powerful, and passionately touched “Protocol” EP.
Appellum first released back in 2020 with the debut of two singles, ‘In Snowfield’ and ‘Eko’. These featured a slower, almost Deep House-influenced quality that was very apropos to the era of musical influence in that time period. Given the circumstances of that period, and the melancholy nature of seeing the world in a state of shut down, their 2021 followup, “Black Box” EP, was another step into the deeper influences of audio exploration. It features several live jam sessions that were almost ambient in nature while still finding that slow, groove-laden texture.
After their release of “Black Box”, Apellum seemingly backed out of the release timelines and schedules. This period appears to have given Apellum a renewed vigor however, as they have returned with a power punch in their self release of “Protocol” EP. It delves into heavier hypnotic senses with 4 direct cuts of fast-paced, rolling bass lines, and swirling synth works. The release seems to be a new step for the artist, taking their sound in a new and re-invigorated direction.
-Colin Cook
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