‘Strange Bounty / About Life’ is the third release from ACT! following the release of the “sonic mixtape” ‘Universalist’ in 2018 and the augmented reality soundtrack ‘Grey Matter AR’ in 2021; a series of Snapchat filters created by artist Karen Vanderborght and soundtracked by ACT! which explored the poetic and existential potential of AR and social media.
The new album represents a refinement of aesthetic and compositional ideas that exist across Psutka’s various projects and collaborations. It is a bold blend of new psychedelia braided with ecstatic groove. It’s a collage of physical sound, composition and freeform electronics that is simultaneously original, bold, and balmy whilst retaining a certain timeless familiarity and the obvious, indelible hallmarks of Psutka’s creative vision.
“‘Strange Bounty / About Life’ is in some ways my most refined record. The previous period of solo material was quite experimental and spontaneous, whereas this was written slowly and with more intentionality, and as a result, feels very clarified. Robin Dann of Bernice, and Alanna Stuart of Bonjay both contributed lovely vocal work to the record and it was written and performed primarily on guitar. I think it is fair to call this an 'experimental guitar record'.” David Psutka (ACT!)
On opener ‘Oblivion Shuffle’ synths trickle and squelch beneath vintage arcade bleeps, an off-kilter rhythm and mournful vocals. The palette of faintly dystopian electronics, unnerving ambience and scorched, wonky rhythmic pulses reoccur across the album on tracks like ‘Separation Code Is Togetherness Meta’, ’50 Million Motives For Making’, ‘Peace Javelin Heaven Bound’ and ‘Street Racer’.
Elsewhere on the record the guitar is more obviously prominent, and its presence allows the thematic subtleties of ACT’s music to flourish. It becomes clear after numerous listens that there is a push and pull at play across the whole project; one of optimism vs existentialism, of anxiety vs hope - a consistent theme of Psutka’s back catalogue. The track titles themselves even begin to reveal juxtaposition contained within and a deeper inspection of the lyrics reveals more.
‘Lotto’ and ‘Rebuild Your Body’ and title track, ‘Strange Bounty / About Life’ all feature slick classic soul hooks, silky vocals and smooth Balearic guitar licks over the idiosyncratic beats and distinctive electronic instrumentation. A perfect melding of the two seemingly disparate stylistic directions on the album. A real testament to the refinement promised by Psutka on this project.
Personnel
David Psutka - guitar, synths, percussion, modular synth, programmed drums, production, background vocals on (1,6,7), engineering, mixing, mastering
Robin Dann - vocal composition and production on 1,3,5, vocals on 1,3,5,6,7
Alanna Stuart - vocal composition and production on 1,3,5, vocals on 1,3,5,6,7
Jeremy Greenspan - additional mixing and mastering
Olenka Szymonski - Art Direction + Graphic Design
Una Di Gallo - Art Direction + Additional Design
May Truong - Cover Photo
credits
released June 3, 2022
Strange Bounty / About Life (HTRA030) is out June 3rd (LP, WAV) via Halocline Trance. All songs by David Psutka. Vocals by Robin Dann & Alanna Stuart. Additional vocal composition and vocal production by Robin Dann & Alanna Stuart. Mastered by Jeremy Greenspan + David Psutka at Barton Building Studio. Cover photo by May Truong. Graphic design by Olenka Szymonski and additional artwork by Una Di Gallo. Distributed by SRD and available to purchase via fine music retailers worldwide. Press enquiries: duncan @9pr.co.uk
ACT! is the solo recording project of Toronto-based musician + producer, David Psutka. Building on a complex body of work as
Egyptrixx, Ceramic TL, Anamai and various other projects, ACT! represents a new chapter of creative output from Psutka. The material is of a universal mind - new psychedelia braided with ecstatic groove; a pastiche of physical sound, composition and freeform electronics....more
supported by 6 fans who also own “Strange Bounty / About Life”
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My god, what an absolutely incredible Suite. I'll admit, I've struggled to get into Pharoah Sanders due to diving headfirst into some of his most challenging catalogue and that never worked. This is the perfect place to restart. Floating Points is new for me and I can honestly say I've never heard synthesizer music this lush and organic before. the LSO is just perfect. This is one of those albums that any serious music fan needs in their life. The perfect swan song for the great Pharaoh! 5/5 ClassyMusicSnob