The opening seconds of Amelie Lens‘ set from Awakenings Festival are eerily climactic: muffled voices comprise an inconclusive dialogic exchange that slowly fades out as a pulsating beat hammers forth. As Lens’ showing unfolds, atmospheric tones filter in to augment the affective power of the set’s steady, underground derived-beat arrangements.
However, Lens steps back from this pounding, palpitating construction at several junctures, to offer listeners brief reprieves. Such a moment occurs around the 11 minute mark, at which point Lens gently grounds the effort via the introduction of an undulating collection of chords. Looping voiceovers prove a crucial component of Lens’ sonic toolkit at multiple points in the probing electronic endeavor, which potently evinces Lens’ techno expertise.
Photo credit: Steve Turvey
