Alex Kassian has had a bit of a year, what with somehow managing to take the majestic E2-E4 to an altogether new place. Then add to that some very able assistance from the Mad Professor himself. He’s now back for a 2024 swansong (unless there’s a bit more magic up the sleeve?). Under new guise, H.A.N.K., he’s found another perfectly aligned collaborator in Nick Höppner. It’s a super matchup between two artists who do anything but stand still. ‘The Big Melt’ starkly demonstrates both their creative energy, and open minded approach to sounds and textures.

Höppner’s Ostgut Ton output has varied from pretty full on club ammunition to more measured and melodic electronics, often toying with live instrumentation along the way. Check out 2015’s ‘Folk’ for a taster. Meanwhile Kassian has been cutting a singular swathe all of this own, peaking over recent years with such delights as ‘Strings of Eden’ and of course ‘Voices’, tunes that kind of defy genre definition and bring a sense of musicality that’s countered with innate knowledge of what can move a floor.

So, bringing these two heavyweights together definitely comes with a sense of anticipation. The expectation might have been for something dance orientated, but context is all. Springing from a pandemic induced collaborative environment, they have opened up to the expansive possibilities that were inspired by their physical circumstances.And while the music feels very much internalised there is space and freedom to it, that makes this something really unique.

Tracks such as ‘Cruise’ really typify the experimental approach, a rock solid rhythmic foundation that allows the virtuosity to flourish on top, expanding into an arresting and immersive listening experience.LIkewise with ‘No Harm’, slow builds, layering up, instrumentally complex. But very much uplifting and positive. Meanwhile the more New Age feels of ‘A Useful Fever’ reflect more ambient textures whose subtlety is countered by more abstract drum patterns. The guitar and woodwind of ‘Azul’s Garden’ take the music in another direction again but retaining a common thread with the other tracks.This is a set that hangs together so nicely, it deserves a single sitting experience.

Vocals on ‘Jag Ar Jag’ add yet another element along with a more tribal beat this time. Apparently Nick’s drumming ability is a relatively new thing, but on this evidence he could have been at it for years. A more desert sound is apparent on ‘While My Tar Gently Weeps’, that instrument’s unique tone adding yet more dimensions to something that was already pretty far reaching. ‘The Big Melt’ is the sound of two super talented producers stretching themselves into new and exciting spaces with deeply satisfying results.

The Big Melt is now on released on Second Circle and available via Music From Memory’s Bandcamp page and various physical shops.