Much of the complexity of Foam on the Waves of Space-Time… is suggested in its fantastical title, although the words on the digital sleeve convey serenity that plays a mere secondary role here. As a.d.l.r., Nicholas Morera explores ambient and animated techno, and stirs his noisy squawks and patters into carefully assembled collages of brass blurts, swelling synth textures, and walloping beats. Foam… is Morera’s debut LP for Non Projects, a digital imprint launched by former Alpha Pup intern and producer Brian “Anenon” Simon.
In the occasional contained, classically informed electronic/organic piece, comparisons to Fennesz’s Venice are apt when Foam…’s drawn-out chords linger on tracks like “Basho”. However, Morera’s work is boisterous; it feels like sketches and it squirms in its seat. Loops on the front end of “The Softest Shade of Purple of a Powdery Hue” churn softly before the fluttering beats enter and introduce playful, spacious techno that mirrors highlights of Asthmatic Kitty Records’ Library Catalog Music series, or the loosely bound productions that NP label head Simon is crafting as Anenon. Morera isn’t sure where the percussion should stop and start on “The Softest Shade…”, and “Bright Wave” also sounds like guesswork that yields favorable fruit. Its pearly, chimes-heavy first act morphs into droning psych wrapped in pitch-bent stuck-tire squeals. Over a curious set that showcases an uncompromising spirit, Foam on the Waves of Space-Time… reveals a few decent tricks from a producer who has only barely shown his cards.