Album Review: Medicated by Churner
Released in 2010 under the US-based label Void Seance, Churner’s Medicated is a relentless dive into the chaotic depths of electronic noise. This album doesn’t hold your hand or apologize for its abrasiveness—it demands attention and, frankly, it earns it. With a genre rooted in electronic experimentation and a style that leans heavily into noise, Medicated carves out its own space in the underground soundscape. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re into dissonant textures and raw energy, this one might just stick with you.
The titular track, “Medicated,” is an unpredictable rollercoaster of distorted synths and pulsating beats. It feels like being trapped in a malfunctioning arcade machine—overwhelming at first, but oddly mesmerizing once you surrender to its chaos. The way the layers build and collapse keeps you guessing, never letting you settle into comfort. There’s something about how it oscillates between moments of near-silence and ear-piercing crescendos that makes it unforgettable. You don’t just hear it; you feel it in your bones.
Another standout is the second track (though I won’t spoil its name here). It opens with what sounds like a field recording of industrial machinery before spiraling into a glitchy vortex of sound. What sets it apart is how it balances aggression with subtle hints of melody buried deep beneath the noise. It’s almost like finding beauty in destruction—a fleeting glimpse of calm amidst the storm. If you listen closely enough, you’ll catch these tiny details that reward repeat plays.
Churner’s approach on Medicated isn’t polished or refined, and that’s exactly why it works. The rough edges give it character, making it feel alive rather than manufactured. It’s not trying to be pleasant; it’s trying to provoke, to challenge. And honestly? That’s refreshing in today’s sea of overly curated music.
Reflecting on Medicated, I can’t help but think of it as less of an album and more of an experience—one that leaves you slightly disoriented but strangely invigorated. Listening to it feels like stepping into another dimension where rules don’t apply. Or maybe it’s just me, but either way, it sticks with you long after the final note fades. Who would’ve thought noise could feel so... medicinal?
Rating: 8/10
