Kai Hugo, pka Palmbomen II, thrives in sequestered situations. Last year’s self-titled release was born of binge watching X-Files in his mother’s attic. A process that began before the buzz of a new season and remains omitted from the die-hard’s collection. For his forthcoming tape with Betonkust, the catalyst is once again seclusion.
Palmbomen II and Betonkust are both Dutch producers, both operating in a gauzy IDM sound. The Center Parcs EP was recorded in a rainy weekend in the Netherlands at the Center Parcs De Eemhof. Across the pond it’s referred to as a holiday park, which to Americans translates to a resort. Betonkust and Palmbomen II took it upon themselves to retrofit the resort with a cheesy, outmoded commercial soundtrack deserving of neon laser graphics and dissolving effects that display kids on waterslides and eating corndogs at concession stands. “24×33” might work for advertising the romantic packages the resort offers. The crystalline synths set to a night under the stars. Permeating “24×33” and the Center Parcs EP is the paradise lost of being rained in on holiday. For the two producers it made for a productive weekend and in tribute to the ruin of a family fun Eden the music sustains a ominous underbelly of unease.
Betonkust & Palmbomen II’s Center Parcs EP is out February 26 on 1080p Collection.
