The influential Australian electronic duo HTRK is receiving a heartfelt tribute through an extraordinary new compilation album. 'Songs of HTRK' sees their distinctive, atmospheric back catalogue reinterpreted by a diverse array of admirers, from experimental stalwarts to contemporary composers.
Scheduled for release in early 2025, the project transforms the band's often minimalist and emotionally charged work into new, unexpected forms. The album serves as a testament to HTRK's enduring impact on the alternative music landscape, demonstrating how their 'noisy gems' continue to inspire and resonate.
A Constellation of Musical Talent
The lineup of contributors is a veritable who's who of the avant-garde. Angus Andrew of the band Liars brings his distinctive vocal style to a track, while composer Kali Malone, known for her meditative pipe organ works, offers a radically different take on the source material.
Other confirmed artists include Dean Hurley, a longtime collaborator of David Lynch, and Yvette, the New York-based electronic noise duo. This eclectic mix guarantees that the compilation is not a simple covers record, but a creative reimagining that spans genres from drone and ambient to industrial and art-rock.
Celebrating a Unique Sonic Legacy
HTRK, originally a trio from Melbourne before the tragic passing of bassist Sean Stewart in 2010, has carved out a unique space with their sparse, dub-inflected post-punk. The remaining members, Jonnine Standish and Nigel Yang, have continued to evolve their sound over albums like 'Psychic 9-5 Club' and 'Rhinestone'.
Their music is characterised by its atmospheric depth, hypnotic rhythms, and Standish's deadpan, intimate vocals. 'String of Hearts', a track from their 2014 album 'Psychic 9-5 Club', is one of the songs set to be reworked, showcasing the melodic core that often lies beneath their textured, noisy surfaces.
The 'Songs of HTRK' project highlights the deep respect the band commands among their peers. It follows a similar vein to other artist-curated tribute albums, but stands out due to the very specific and singular nature of HTRK's original work. For fans, it offers a chance to hear familiar songs through a new lens; for newcomers, it provides a compelling entry point into the duo's captivating and shadowy world.
