About

Electronic music veterans Nick Höppner and Alex Kassian launched their collaborative project H.A.N.K. on Second Circle, debuting with an album entitled The Big Melt. Born out of the unprecedented circumstances of the global pandemic, The Big Melt represents a departure from the duo's typical club-oriented productions, instead exploring their shared passion for Krautrock, ambient, and guitar-driven music. The album showcases a more introspective and experimental side of both artists, blending elements of Fourth World, New Age, and leftfield electronic music. Höppner and Kassian's creative partnership began in 2018 when Höppner released music from Kassian's project Opal Sunn on his label, Touch From A Distance. Their friendship quickly evolved into musical collaboration, initially focusing on dance music. However, as the pandemic unfolded, their studio sessions took an organic, freeform approach, embracing spontaneity and intuition.

The Big Melt features contributions from a diverse array of guest musicians, adding depth and texture to the album with instruments including guitar, clarinet, and the tar, an ancient Persian string instrument. Höppner's newly acquired drumming skills, developed during lockdown, also play a significant role in shaping the album's sound. The creation of The Big Melt spans several years, with initial jam sessions evolving into carefully crafted compositions through remote collaboration. This extended gestation period has allowed the music to mature, resulting in what Höppner describes as his proudest release to date. The album stands as a testament to artistic resilience and creativity in the face of global challenges, offering listeners a rich, immersive journey into new sonic territories crafted by two of electronic music's most respected talents. — via Label

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Label: Second Circle
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Released: 2024
Genre: Electronic
Style: Ambient, Balearic, Downtempo, Experimental

File under: Downtempo
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