Olaf Bender, a.k.a. Byetone, is one of the co-founders of the Raster-Noton label and is also responsible for the sleek, minimalists look of the album labels design. Bender is considered a veteran of the electronic arts, providing an evolutionary, fresh approach in the creation of the new brainwashing beat that is Death of a Typographer. At just 0:49 seconds, track one "Intro Bios" (Intro) provides a brief yet hard-hitting introduction into the albums mind warping sound, consisting of a combined mix of reality and electronic excellence. The constant clash in tone and tempo create a unique bilateral feel, leaving the conscious mind to wander in a trance like state.
With the scene set you’re eased into a zone of electronic hedonistic pleasure. Deep in the underbelly of “Plastic Star” (Session), the spontaneous tone gently shifts up a gear, drifting into what can only be described as electro musical perfection. “Straight” and the tone takes an interesting twist, the initial beat slow and reduced in comparison to the predeceasing tracks. However, as with “Plastic Star”, beat and tempo increase slightly throughout, providing an elevated, hair raising experience. As cool as this may be, the track does become somewhat repetitive by the time the four minutes, fourteen seconds is up.
“Rocky” (soft) and it’s back to the familiar sedentary flourish of ever increasing tempo. By this point in the album a predictable theme is beginning to be set, resembling the pre intended ‘snap shot’ feel. The tracks methodical beat combined with a high pitch beep and flat tone introduction create an intense energetic flow. “Black is Back” introduces a slightly faster tempo from the off, with several short spells of silence. Tone and tempo continue on a climatic build, eventually flattening out to reveal an abundance of eccentric sound which gradually tapers off into smooth fattened tone. This track proceeds to flow perfectly into “Capture This” (Part 1), again increasing in momentum.
However the transition from “Capture This” (Part 1) to “Capture This” (Part 2) was quite the opposite, kicking off with a fast complex tempo, unlike the mild, subtle beat of its predecessor. “Heart” at 7:45 is quite a lengthy track, although well worth the listen and the wait! Familiar in many ways yet individual as all tracks featured on the album, “Heart” drops into a deep, dark sound. The track culminates with what sounds like the exit of the artist, notifying the completion of a masterpiece.
Ten tracks down and you are left mentally exhausted, deeply entwined and intrigued into the fascinating sound that is Death of a Typographer!
