Ōgon Batto

Ōgon Batto is an exercise in patience; indeed, a model of restraint in these trying times. Although a fixture of the Belgian underground for over a decade (as part of the Hare Akedod label and band, the latter with DSR Lines’ David Edren), Bent Von Bent has released just two albums thus far.  A scroll through ‘Browse’ reveals a series of miniature compositions — bite-size psychedelic treats, a sequence of imaginary hyperlinks and clickbait for Generation Instant Gratification, reminiscent of the early work of Battiato, Francois De Roubaix, and Igor Wakhévitch.

Following his debut release, Ōgon Batto secretly started working on Hedoro, meaning "slime" or "chemical ooze" in Japanese. Von Bent's fascination with Japanese traditional and contemporary culture, which began during his first visit to the country, permeates the album as he blends his European background with these Asian influences.

The album shifts easily between abstract electronic tracks and pieces employing classical Japanese sonic elements. Entirely composed with synthesizers, Hedoro unfolds across 29 tracks, creating what has been described as "viscous strings and intoxicating atmospheres" that evoke the cinematic qualities of vintage video game soundtracks.