Invictus Hi-Fi – The Market Deities

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There is something about the amount and variety of found voices that Invictus Hi-Fi uses here that sets a really mysterious and far-reaching mood on The Market Deities.

Past and present voices of economists, sociologists, thinkers and robots abound, putting forth simple ideas or complex thoughts that feel as if there is some kind of multi-dimensional and rather esoteric conference taking place upon which some tasteful and challenging electronica is being tested. It does sound as though there is live drumming taking place as well, which pushes things to another level, injecting some unexpected and appreciated momentum.

There is something about the textural drumming and enigmatic electronica that entwine the opening track that hints at some serious thought. The electronics follow a dizzying path, hacking their way through the talking heads, making changes of direction and senses every minute. It descends into the kind of viciousness that you might expect as it is aurally searching for the key to the financial kingdom. In places, the voices are laid back and uplifting; but in others are an irritant, the constant flicker like the tube blaring away in the corner, sometimes at odds with the setting as if they are running out of patience with one another.

It must be said though, there is something exciting about the slow pace and sense of anticipation of “Confidence, The Bull”. It could be the backing for a long lost cosmic Fall track with mantra-like repetition that builds in tempo and power, sparkling and then dissolving, shape-shifting into something new. The voice is perfect here, narrating the story of the death of a bull rider.

There is a groovy, rhythmic bass following the drums on “Court Pf Mammon”, but surrounded by strange sounds which grow more disturbing on “Cra$hing And Cra$hing”. This comes across more like a dub experiment on Mogadon, but mutates into a relaxing seascape with flanged guitar and melodica. This sensation of a lullaby on the rocks grows even fainter on “Fates And Futures”, where the unusual combo of xylophone and fading drones shifts and unfolds as voices overflow around it, growing ever more bizarre in their desire to spread the message.

The album’s quest to answer “If the financial market had gods, what would they sound like?” is an intriguing one. Although the eloquent and enigmatic electronica and textural drumming contained within The Market Deities is a delight, and a lot of rapid and puzzling twists and turns take place, this is far too progressive and thoughtful to sound like those gods. It would have to be blustering, offensive and ultimately negative, while Invictus Hi-Fi’s album has far too much going for it; but it certainly starts the conversation. I wonder what you think?

-Mr Olivetti-