Bendik HK

Bendik HK returns to the Mutual Intentions catalogue with “Progressive Rock Music,” the long-awaited follow up to his much-lauded 2018 EP “Depot.” The Scandinavian- artist and producer, continues to hold the ear of his generation with music that captures the visceral depths of human emotion.

He has garnered success in Norway and further abroad for his striking work in the studio and the enigmatic live performances that have followed. “Progressive Rock Music“ consolidates Bendik HK’s work around the breathy rhythmic work that calls to mind the early work of Burial. Building his tracks from the percussive realm, indolent melodies streak across progressions like lazy chem-trails across cloudy skies. Alien electronic artefacts linger in steamy atmospheres as one track relays to the next in a stunning alchemy of synthesisers and drum machines.

It’s Bendik HK’s innate skill for rhythm that comes to the fore as broken beats lay the foundation for the on-going evolutions through these nine tracks. As they transpire, the percussion ranges from background accompaniment to explosive onslaughts of violent outbreaks of mechanical noise. By the time of “Oslo Døgnflue” we’ve reached breakcore territory with drums reminiscent of Venetian Snares bursting through thinly veilied synthetic atmosphere that clouds the track in tension.