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Oubys Positronium_ep
(February 2012)

The Positronium EP is the second release by Oubys on our Testtoon label. After releasing his Terra Incognita album last year, we felt that the Positronium II track on that album deserved a 12″ version of its own. The original Positronium II is an intense, almost psychedelic piece of electronic music, compatible even to dancefloors for DJ’s with open-minded ears and a taste for experiment. There was always a first part of the track that we did not include on the album, but which we always intended to release. So that’s why now, there’s the Positronium EP, featuring an incredible Substance remix on the A-side and an edit done by Oubys himself of Positronium II and the previously unreleased Positronium I on the B-side.

For the remix on the A-side, we gave Substance (known for his releases on the legendary Berlin label Chain Reaction and his work with Scion, as well as an internationally renown DJ) complete freedom to go into any direction he wanted to. He came up with an incredible, thundering version of Positronium II. Extremely dry and with an almost rocky feel, his remix references experimental Dubstep, but also the monotonous continuity of 80′s Dancehall productions. A deep and punishing bassline, reassembled and rejammed from the original track, combined with crisp, but almost saturated high tones and claps, give the remix an undeniable forward motion. Its diversity springs from the detailed production Substance applied here. A consuming and overpowering remix, that also signals a bit of a departure from his previous work.

The B-side opens with the unreleased Positronium I. This track is basically the prologue to Positronium II. It sets the mood and offers some explanation as to the wild and intense direction its sister track takes after a while. It plays with the same elements as the Positronium II track, but hints at a more subtle, even 80′s influenced musical context. Almost like a John Carpenter soundtrack in parts, it teases and tickles its way into the listener’s spectrum. Edited down from a live jam, Positronium I is the intro that Positronium II always deserved.

An edit of Positronium II, done by Oubys himself closes off the record. The edit has a stepping feel. A shorter, more compact interpretation of the original, all the basic elements are there, but they have been slightly reassembled. The soundscapes are subtly different as well. Given the fact that Oubys is very much a live electronic music act, this version shows the versatility of his playing and of the composed music.

Listen to Positronium I

All tracks produced by Wannes kolf.
‘Positronium_EP’ was mastered by Andreas [LUPO] Lubich at Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin.

Tracklist
A1 Positronium II_Substance Remix 5:49
B1 Positronium I 8:55
B2 Positronium II_Cyclotronn Edit 5:40

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Oubys Terra_Incognita lp

‘Terra Incogita’ is Oubys’ first release on Testtoon Records.
Following up on his two acclaimed CD releases on the U-Cover label, ‘Terra Incognita’ delves into even more vast territory.

Essentially exploring different spaces and different modes of energy, ‘Terra Incognita’ uses a distinctly analogue production and mastering design to lure the listener into a trance-like lullaby, a hypnotic state of altered consciousness if you will. At the same time though, the music plays with a direct expression of organic elements, earthing the listening experience, thus giving it a solid base. The sound of the album should be felt, should be experienced. At maximum volume or at low volume, a beautiful paradox reveals itself. A continuous counterpoint of energy materializing and matter being transformed into energy draws this music into different directions all the time.
Mellow washes alternate with sharp, almost piercing sounds, deep sub-tones alternate with hiss. Oubys’ intention is to confront and subdue, to make space be felt and to translate and transmit energy.

Listen to Blackland 2:

All tracks produced by Wannes kolf.
‘Terra Incognita’ was mastered by Andreas [LUPO] Lubich at Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin.

Tracklist
A1 Inside Cloud RMX_Out Surface 5:28
A2 Hidden Base 4:37
A3 Positronium II 7:35
B1 Mitlt 1:34
B2 Immerce 3:14
B3 Blackland 2 13:01

Oubys

Oubys is a one man ambient project from Hasselt, Belgium. The force behind Oubys is Wannes Kolf, whose music is made with live improvisations, electronic treatment and field recordings. Influenced by early kraut legends Faust, Can and ambient guru Brian Eno, this music has a nice sense of subterrenean depth and a pulsating progression.