Issue #5: Mountain Shadows
New Release by OK Ikumi + Korg Drumlogue review
Out now from Hel: “Mountain Shadows”, the first batch of tracks from OK Ikumi's ambient music archive. Listen below, or check out the video for opening track “West Grove”:
“Mountain Shadows” (HEL034) is available digitally from Bandcamp, and on the usual streaming platforms like Spotify & Apple Music, etc. Stay tuned for physical release plans.
Upcoming Events
SEP 24 2024: Mooninite, Bobo at International (SLC)
Korg Drumlogue Review
Edit: see update :(
Korg's Drumlogue drum machine released last year and largely flopped. It's no longer available from retailers and prices on the used market have plummeted. So let's pick one up and see what it's like!
The Drumlogue has 4 analog synthesis-based parts, 6 sample-based parts (which can load any sample), and a special bonus part. The one thing that really makes the Drumlogue unique is that extra instrument part. You can choose noise, a simple FM synth, or a simple 2-oscillator digital synth (or load any custom instrument made with the Drumlogue SDK). Basically any variety of percussive noise is on the table here, and that really adds so much to the machine.
I can definitely say the original $600 price point was too high. This is more of a "super Volca", and the $300 or so they are going for at the time of writing this seems more fair. While the overall aesthetic and build quality are definitely nice, the Volca-sized volume knobs and small screen are signs that some concessions have been made (I do like the overall small size of the unit though).
The design philosophy of the classic old drum machines (like the Roland X0X models) was to focus on usability rather than flexibility. The knobs on those machines don't give you a super wide range of sound capabilities, but they are locked into sweet spots where every sound option is very usable. The Drumlogue is not like this. You can easily make this machine sound bad, and the front panel knobs control only a small portion of each sound's range. Slower, methodical menu diving is an absolute requirement to get this machine sounding its best.
The Drumlogue can definitely cover all the drum basics (and has some character), but the biggest issue is that it's not a powerful drumsynth or a powerful sampler. I would have liked to see Korg make a proper synthesis-based drum machine, something like the excellent Microtonic VST, but perhaps the market for that is too small.
I've talked about a lot of negatives here, but despite all that the machine is actually pretty cool. It does get some bonus points for just being fun to use, and the versatility means it can be used in pretty much any electronic genre. The way it handles computer interactivity is a bit strange, but it's refreshing to not have to use software to transfer files. The onboard effects sound great, and it's very well suited for playing live, with quick control over automation, randomization, pattern switching, part muting/soloing, and a "loop" setting that is pretty much the "active step" function on the Volcas. All very fun.
Would definitely recommend if you can live with the limitations, are willing to spend time in menus, and can pick it up cheap!
— KJ
“Ambient Peaks” Mix by OK Ikumi
Check out a new DJ mix of ambient tracks over on the Hel Podcast:
For those who would prefer an unmixed playlist, you can listen on Spotify below, although unfortunately a large number of tracks from the mix are not available on digital streaming platforms (stay tuned for a future article about maintaining a digital music library in the modern age).
Thanks for reading!
Compiled by KJ
Reach out at hello@helaudio.org
helaudio.org
HEL034 download codes:
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redeem @ https://helaudio.bandcamp.com/yum