Rắn Cạp Đuôi demonstrate their experimental sonic prowess in new ‘*1’ album

We can always count on Saigon-based label and multidisciplinary collective Nhạc Gãy when it comes to providing us with explorative and experimental delights out of Vietnam. Their latest offering dropped on April 23 in the form of ‘*1’ by fellow collective Rắn Cạp Đuôi.

The nine-track release showcases exactly why Rắn Cạp Đuôi is at the forefront of sound art and experimental music in Saigon. Venturing into uncharted sonic realms and non-linear soundscapes, the album presents a flurry of exciting sounds ranging from dissonant glitches to blissful, transcendent harmonies, immaculately patched together to create a variety of compositions; some chaotic, some calming, but each intoxicatingly mesmerising in its own way.

Rắn Cạp Đuôi flawlessly merge vocals, spoken word, traditional instruments and even anime samples into their arrangements, resulting in a spectacular aural display of their ever-evolving sound and unapologetic approach to music-making.

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The first few tracks lure you in with hauntingly captivating vocal samples and synthplay, sounds of nature and abstract sonic compositions that pave your way to an even more intense and mind-altering experience as you listen on.

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One track that’s most likely to resound on the dancefloors would be ‘Bloody’, which kicks off with high-energy percussions and guttural synths before doing a complete 180 and metamorphosing itself around the halfway mark with a shimmering, strings-based melody that leads to an ambient, cathartic outro.

Listen to the track below and delve into the adventurous sounds of Rắn Cạp Đuôi ‘*1’ here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.