Album Review
With M@rix, Pal continues to bring a unique sensibility to the noise scene. The noise loops don't sport the brutal power of Imminent Starvation or the harshness of Synapscape, but this is only because Pal is coming from a different place. "Mertum v1.2" is all energy and beats, with noise loops and purer electro elements that balance nicely in a dance track. In other tracks, Pal establishes a solid noise groove — such as in "Cyber Junkyard," which is at times reminiscent of Monolith with the noise dial turned up. The reason that this side of M@rix is such compelling listening is Pal's ability to keep the noise flavor without using noise loops exclusively to build each track. Rather than have layers of synth voices that each have their own noisy aggression, Pal positions noise against smoother basses or percussions (for example, in "T.A.E."). These are the moments where the release is at its strongest, and it provides contrast to the purer noise tracks ("Hybocollab 3"). Fans looking for a more experimental or lo-fi angle may find it in the power electronics of "E-Mass" or "Purge." This is sometimes blended with noise loops ("Unwanted"), but fans of dancefloor noise may not find much to their taste in this side of M@rix. When all of the tracks are put together, M@rix is a solid listening experience designed with an intelligence that Pal has become known for.
