Pattern of Excel is the new album from Lee Bannon (real name Fred Warmsley), the experimental producer from Sacramento, California. The former Joey Bada$$ collaborator and one time Pro Era touring DJ returns with a mostly ambient album which follows his jungle and drum and bass influenced studio debut, Alternative/Endings. It was this work which got the attention of the record label Ninja Tune, which he has been signed to since 2013. In a press release regarding the album, the label said that “the rapid fire breaks and growling basslines would be replaced by a considered exploration of ambient soundscapes”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdycpLRSKBU

The lines of definition between the tracks become blurred as they gently flow into one another. From the very start they take their rhythmic cue from the ebb and flow of moving water. This controlled calm is perforated by more lively tracks such as Inflatable and Memory 6, which are closer to drum and bass than anything else on the album. Clean, crisp guitar chords contrast with grainy field recordings and droning distortion. The tracks buzz with a restrained energy which hides just below the murky surface.

Although on first listen it would appear that Bannon has gone in a completely new direction from his previous records, he himself has said that he did not think the sound was that different from his previous work and that he saw it as a natural evolution in his sound. This ambient album is not the most accessible; most of the songs lack vocals or even a beat, and fans of his previous drum and bass style records might be left unsatisfied. Despite this, the album boasts a depth and an energy, initially obscured by its calmness, which will reward the listener.

Scavenger are hosting Lee Bannon and Scratcha DVA at the Twisted Pepper on July 23rd. Find the event page here.