In the world of music, the evolution of an artist can sometimes feel like a fascinating mystery, and Purelink is no exception. Since their inception five years ago, this innovative trio has been on a journey that often seems to blur the lines between distinct musical styles. Their debut EP was a remarkable blend of visceral dub techno and dynamic drum’n’bass, a sound that has yet to be fully replicated in their subsequent works. Their latest album, Signs, released in 2023, embraced a more ethereal vibe with glitchy, crackling drums enveloped in a soft pastel haze. Prior to that, their album Faith, released last year, ventured even deeper into ambient territory, where the individual sounds of the trio melded seamlessly into formless arrangements reminiscent of foggy weather or blizzards—conditions where visibility is almost zero.
For those fortunate enough to witness Purelink perform live, however, there’s a palpable physicality to their music that transcends what you might hear in their recordings. Their concerts deliver a robust, bass-heavy experience that compels audiences to move, despite not adhering to conventional dance music norms. While their sets may kick off in the warm, humid atmosphere captured in their studio work, they quickly evolve into immersive experiences. Their new live cassette strikes a balance between their ambient tendencies and a hefty bass presence, showcasing some surprisingly strong rhythms.
Instead of presenting a complete performance from a single show, Live collages together various moments captured during their 2024 U.S. tour. This approach means the album doesn’t follow a linear progression like their live shows; rather, it meanders like a mixtape, adding to its unique allure.
On Side A, listeners are greeted with nearly eight minutes of shifting ambience—fuzzy chords, rapid trills, and the sounds of small objects moving about. The emotional landscape here is ambiguous, allowing listeners to adapt it to their mood; it could feel relaxing or slightly unsettling, depending on one's perspective. Soon after, the atmosphere intensifies with the arrival of thumping kick-drum patterns, while intricate delay effects take listeners deeper into dub-inspired soundscapes.
The untitled tracks on Side A are said to be reinterpretations of songs from Signs and remixes of works by fellow musicians. However, the gaseous expanse and subdued ambiance make it challenging to identify specific elements. As the tracks transition from minimal dub techno to hints of IDM, familiar sounds emerge—a distant whistle, akin to a train in the background, and a metallic twinkle, reminiscent of a coin spinning on a table. Yet, the origins of these sounds remain elusive. Is that noise generated by a yo-yo, an electric toothbrush, or perhaps a cello? (All of which they’ve mentioned using in the studio.)
Turning to Side B, listeners will find a collection of unreleased tracks, many of which surprisingly lean toward a more melodic structure. While maintaining an ambient essence built around minimalist drum patterns and draped in layers of reverb and delay, this side features more pronounced dub basslines, and certain instruments, such as electric guitar, piano, and possibly a saxophone, come into sharper focus. These tracks draw significant inspiration from the atmospheric post-rock sounds associated with the Kranky label and even evoke the style of Tortoise, both of which reflect Purelink’s Chicago roots.
In these more melodic segments, Live hints at potential new directions for Purelink. The horizontal boom-bap rhythm that wraps up Side B is especially intriguing. Yet, one of the most unexpected moments occurs roughly three-quarters through Side A. Upon first listening, I found myself puzzled by a sound that resembled weeping, an odd and somewhat jarring choice for otherwise tranquil music. However, with further listens, it became clear that this sound is actually the slowed-down laughter of someone losing control of their sanity. If you tune in closely, a narrative unfolds: "Come on, guys," pleads another voice, slowed down and sounding frustrated. "You can't be smoking a J on your way to a school soccer game!" The laughing voices—the presumed "J-smokers"—offer their apologies before dissolving back into fits of giggles. One of them chuckles, barely managing to stifle her laughter at the reprimand.
While the backstory of this amusing exchange remains a mystery, it serves as a playful reminder that, despite their skill in crafting abstract soundscapes, Purelink has delightful surprises waiting just beneath the surface.
