Harmonic 313 – When Machines Exceed Human Intelligence

Releasedate: 02-02-2009; Label: Warp records
By: Sabine van Gameren

Mark Pritchardis the man behind the project called: Harmonic 313. His full length release of this year is called: “When Machines Exceed Human Intelligence”

How would you describe the music of this project? I hear a lot of 8-bit sounds. The feeling of playing an ancient computer game. There are some funky grooves as well. A lot of electro and techno influences, with yet a calm side in it. Getting back to those old school times where you were playing the Nintendo with your friends. Listening to this album I keep on wondering whether I get the point Mark is trying to make. Where is he working towards? It is unexpected, unreliable but surprising and adventurous too. As the title of this album suspects, computers are in stake of the influences. They seemed to be the biggest stakeholder actually.
The music demands us brainiacs to start thinking and challenges them to beat the machines. At that point you realise you got the essence of it. Take the opener of the album “Dirtbox” it’s filthy bass flirting with happy sounds. Techno at it’s most relaxed top best. But as high as it goes, there are some deep, low points as well. It surely is an album with contrasts.

Mark Pritchardis had several projects on his name already and you can hear he have taken influences from his work through the years to reflect on this album. Furthermore, the futuristic character of this album really appeals to be atmospheric and stays exciting for the whole playtime.

Links:
Mark Pritchard MySpace
Harmonic 313 Official