Asphalt for Eden
Conceived in New Jersey from its emerging DIY scene from the late ‘90s, cult hop-hop trio DÄLEK were known as pioneers over the last fifteen years or so of an intriguing sound which fused a blend of progressive hip-hop artistry supported by a rhythmic backdrop consisting of sonic experimentation through noise music and dark ambient (they would be dubbed by journalists as what would happen when you mix Public Enemy and My Bloody Valentine). Their singularity would be highlighted in four defining milestone full-length albums released on Ipecac Recordings (one of them being their “Absence” masterpiece LP from 2005), along with live actions where the band would support the likes of Tool and The Melvins, and even collaborate with the likes of artists such as Faust. In Spring 2015 mastermind MC Dälek (a.k.a. Will Brooks, with the blessing of ex-member/co-producer Oktopus) revived DÄLEK after a hiatus with a new lineup which now includes DJ rEk and Mike Swarmbots and are now preparing to release their new album “Asphalt For Eden” which will be the first official DÄLEK release since their last full-length, 2009’s “Gutter Tactics”. “Asphalt For Eden” sees a new creative peak for DÄLEK and will bring a new awareness for this cult hip-hop entity now resurrected once again and ready to show a formidable display of true hip hop artistry and experimentation through their new album and the plethora of touring the band have planned in support of it. A band which many see as one of the most genuine underground DIY hip hop iconoclasts.
New Jersey originating hip hop act Dälek have been making a sonic stew rich with noise since the 90s - their first album since 2009 is one that sees them continue their strut through leftfield culture.
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For a moment it looked like there might never be another Dälek record, with rustling in the ranks, talk of an “indefinite hiatus” and then, almighty silence.
Thrills aplenty from the reformed US experimental hip hoppers. CD new music review by Guy Oddy