It’s been more than five years since »Untrue« made even the biggest putz understand that no record weighed heavier at the time of its release. Back then, Burial was the man of the hour. His identity has been revealed by now – as some blogs seem to believe – and a few small releases have come up here and there. Now there is »Truant«, which only consists of the title track and »Rough Sleeper«. And yet, there is more going on in these short 25 minutes than in almost all other kinds of electronic music. The beginning of »Rough Sleeper« might actually be one of the most melodic tracks ever released by Burial. Distorted vocals on a gloomy bass, accompanied by a few effects and synthesizers – and that’s that. Burial manages to create an unbelievable atmosphere with very few things, even when only having two tracks to build up on. The rhythm has just the right amount of sluggishness and the sounds take place in the same kind of dreamy spheres that Burial’s previous two albums have played in. However, the darkness in »Truant« is of a more straightforward sort. Its individual tracks are well structured in various sections, indicated by long pauses. While »Kindred« had seemed to head towards a different direction, this release again consists of the familiar sound, though advanced by Burial once more. There are moments on »Truant« that are truly unique – not just within electronic music, but especially in Burial’s development.
Truant / Rough Sleeper
