STM 059 - Locust

The authors of the mix are Mark Van Hoen (formerly of Seefeel) and Louis Sherman, recording under the moniker Locust. Initiated by Van Hoen in the 1990s, Locust became a defining project of the era, with releases on seminal labels like Apollo, Sub Rosa, R&S, and Touch. At the time of this recording (2013), the project was breaking a decade of silence with the release of the album You'll Be Safe Forever on Editions Mego. It is a legendary project, and the people behind it have made a perceptible impact on the history of electronic music.

Secret Thirteen Mix 059 is a sentimentally crafted, picturesque compilation that smoothly connects 25 original records released between 1968 and 2012. Drawing from influential catalogs such as Wax Trax!, Rephlex, Apollo, and Modern Love, the selection serves as an analytical reflection on music history, recalling works by acclaimed pioneers like Brian Eno, Skinny Puppy, Coil, Throbbing Gristle, and Chris & Cosey.

The mix is an explorational and emotionally intense journey, spanning from a slightly depressive beginning to a nostalgic end. By fusing diverse tracks that defy time and genre, Locust creates a timeless chef-d'oeuvre marked by maturity and sensitivity. The recording reveals treated guitar parts, constantly expanding cinematic atmospheres, and wise effects processing. There is no static background here; priority is given to individuality in sound processing and live instrument arrangement. A magical sense is evoked through dreamy vocals, authentically modulated synthesizer fragments, and meditative rhythmic patterns.

Jozef’s eclectic selection is a really extraordinary journey across different audio landscapes, which helped to form his unique artistic wholeness and also influenced Jozef as an artist. It is amazing to hear a classical lute piece from the 17th century next to post punk/wave obscurities or modern minimalist compositions. The selection leaps across various centuries, aesthetic approaches, sounds and artists. They sometimes even seem to contradict each other, but here Jozef presents an engaging and sometimes challenging narrative or even collage of different aesthetic attitudes. The selection also has a special cinematic feel and reminds the soundtrack for some lost abstract movies with rapidly changing imagery or just could be used for wandering across the white winter landscapes or urban surroundings.

It is a kaleidoscopic compilation ranging from experimental and ambient to psychedelic rock and downtempo. The mixing is deliberate and calm, maintaining a subtle balance between contrasting records without interrupting the listener's concentration. It is a priceless, high-quality mix that demands attentive listening—perhaps accompanied by delicate food and close friends.

The mix stands in parallel with Patrick Henry Bruce’s modern art piece Painting. Just as the painting achieves a vivid composition through Cubist geometric shapes and a rich palette, this mix induces a recreative, intellectual conversation about bohemia, art, and philosophy. It is a testament to the authors' mentality, responsibility, and deep musical knowledge.