KYE label statement:
Helm is the ambiguous solo moniker of London-based sound architect Luke Younger. Although, perhaps best known as one half of the pioneering avant-drone outfit Birds Of Delay, it is in the more esoteric work of Helm that Luke's art takes on its most radical shape. 2010's debut LP To An End confirmed that in an age of fleeting trends and fly-by-night fancies, there were still a few old souls prepared to knuckle down and deliver the goods that people want to receive.
"Cryptography II" carries forward that noble mindset. Taken from the LP of the same name on KYE, it presents a new five-part suite of expertly rendered electroacoustic study. Using processed piano, Casio MT-40, cymbal and guitar strings Cryptography steers the Helm sound through a melange of fringe territories: glacial drone meditations, reconfigured gamelan clusters, and howling walls of organised feedback, all coalescing in classic UK post-Industrial fashion. Indeed, had it been conceived of 30 years prior, it would be easy to imagine Cryptography winning a seat in the United Dairies, or Dom America catalogues, such is its commitment to homemade exploratory zeal.
Cryptography was recorded at Highams Park, London 2009, with additional recording at No Recording Studios, London. Co-mixed, edited and mastered by John Hannon at No Recording, 2010.