Cod.coq is the latest release by Hungarian sound designer Nicron, released on the Complementary Distribution netlabel. Nicron also runs a competition in which he gives out audio from his previous compositions, that are then remixed by musicians who compete to be included on a CD of the best remixes. You can download all such entries and more of Nicron’s work on his site, Porousher.hu.
Cod.coq is a collection of four tracks that span a slice of Nicron’s aesthetic sphere, from the noisy and complex to pieces with more recognisable contemporary electronic musical influences. The first track, Transfer5, is something of a sonic sculpture. Atonal, intricate, evolving - akin to Autechre’s Gantz Graf. Despite feeling twisted and distorted, it never reaches moments of aggression, and this feeling is reciprocated by the other tracks on Cod.coq. Transfer2 feels like an extension of Transfer5, but uses more obvious and familiar rhythms and compositional devices.
Transfer7 and 8 introduce very solid rhythmic backgrounds that are built upon over the duration of the tracks, reaching climactic points that feel well-timed. Transfer8 feels as if there’s a strong element of improvisation than the other tracks, and sounds are cleverly reintroduced or mimicked from previous tracks.
Nicron sits in that niche space between electronica and contemporary music, much unloved in the mainstream, but appreciated by anyone with the patience to listen.