"Vell Vagranz" is Don and Roel Funcken's first full CD of original material under the Funckarma alias since 2006's "Bion Glent" (Sublight). This new album shows Funckarma at their most diverse by folding in other electronic music sub-genres into their already potent mix. Ambient, Drum and Bass, Dubstep, Hip Hop, Downtempo, and even some Post-Industrial motifs are all drawn into the Funckarma vortex to be reformed into the alien sonic shroud that embodies their trademark zig-zag suture stitched beats, frenetic basswork and lush emotional gauze. Plus with some help from Seaming, Kettle, Spyweirdos, Landau, and phinx find Funckarma at their most synergistic since 2001s "Solid State" (Dub). "Vell Vagranz" is proof that Funckarma are one of those rare and seasoned artists who can make any style sound like their own unique and personal creation even when trying something out of their creative character.

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Having fingers in more pies than one could care to count, Dutch duo Funckarma regularly cover a wide array of styles and genres, but it is with their original project that they remain best known. Formed of brothers Don and Roel Funken, who grew up in The Hague, Funckarma first appeared back in 1999 with their debut EP, released on Rotterdam-based Djak-Up-Bitch imprint. Two more released followed that same year, and an album, collecting some of these tracks, was released the following year. Since, they have dispensed EPs and full length records on an impressive number of imprints, from Neo Ouija and Sublight Record to Highpoint Lowlife and n5MD.

Released on Oakland, CA, based n5MD, their latest missive, Vell Vagranz, is undoubtedly the pair’s most eclectic and varied record to date. Effortlessly jumping from abstract glitchy formations to driven drum’n'bass, ambient and urban flavoured electronica, the pair pile a considerable amount in the seventy-three minutes of this record. Despite the wide scope of their endeavour, the Funken brothers remain pretty close to a single sonic template, upon which they extrapolate into anything from minimal flourishes to highly ornate brushes.

Working from a sound pool or granular sounds and glitches, supported by angular grooves and often dark and dense backdrops, the pair carve each track with the same urgency and dedication. From the sunken beats and dark overtones of Woodfaced, which first appeared earlier this year as Woodface on the Highpoint Lowlife EP Dubstoned 1, Unwire, Swame Deff, and the brazen abstractions of the title track, to the lighter tones and vocal smears of Kinnex and Ketayseam, and the peaceful and ethereal hues of Basszen, the pair push their music into a series of fractured terrains which would be equally suited to the likes of Autechre, The Black Dog, The Future Sound Of London or Bola. Even when veering into more open and upbeat grounds, as they do on Fraid Shim, the mood remains somewhat ominous and unequivocally complex. Despite the relentless drum’n'bass motifs of the piece and its forceful appearance, especially when the beat finally kicks in fully, Funckarma refuse to open their soundscapes and let the light in for too long.

Dense and organic, Vell Vagranz is a captivating record, which never ceases to challenge and fascinate. Here, Funckarma take a well-oiled creative process and push the boundaries of their music without losing any of their original appeal. This latest offering, their first full length since their 2006 Sublight record Bion Glent, is a mature and nuanced piece which is likely to satisfy the more demanding listener. goon

Roel und Don Funcken beginnen mit einem Auftauchen. Die Verbindung von Bass mit kleinen flimmernden Luftbläschen zentriert sich in einem Sog, der den Schädel an die Oberfläche zieht. Dem Licht entgegen, das dann doch nicht erreicht werden kann. Denn die Welt um diesen Sog dreht sich um sich selbst. Die beiden Brüder zünden auf ihrem gerade einmal dritten Album als Funckarma zu aller erst die bekannten Implosionen, die sie bereits als Produzenten der Shadow Huntaz sowie Quench minutiös zu programmieren verstanden. Breakbeat-Acid-Monster, die im Bassraum verschwinden und wieder hinaus stoßen. Von diesem Krater ziehen sie dann konzentrische Kreise in den Schattenraum der Zerstäubung. Stimmen säuseln aus dem Off, Saxophone hallen nach, tauchen unter die Bassfrequenzen, die bei Funckarma immer butterweich durch die Landschaft rollen, als wären sie warme Luftströme aus Daunen. Der Acid bleibt dabei stets omnipräsent. Selbst wenn die Beats entgleisen und zu Jazzbreaks mutieren, die mehr flattern, als dass sie drücken. Oder als instrumentaler HipHop im Ambient entschwinden. Die beiden Niederländer setzen nicht auf Überladung oder extreme Verkünstlichung, halten immer Freiräume bereit – was die Zusammenarbeit mit den MCs von Shadow Huntaz so fruchtbar machte – und besitzen ein grandioses Timing für Effekte, was nur daran liegen kann, dass sie seit 1995 intensiv an deren Perfektionierung schleifen. Immer mit einem Schielen gen Autechre und Bola. Selbst wenn sie damit ihr eigenes Rad nicht mehr neu erfinden, Roel und Don Funcken, die nebenbei noch als Cane, Legiac und ein halbes Dutzend weiterer Pseudonyme durch Schall und Hall reisen, gehören mit ihren tief gelegten und oft zwischen Hyperaktivität und genüsslicher Schläfrigkeit wandelnden Programmierung definitiv noch immer zu den besten Klangmanipulierern, die die elektronische Musikwelt beheimatet.

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