Cate Brooks’ Prismatics exists like a perfect anomaly: a portal to the golden age of kosmische music, crafted with such precision it begs disbelief that it emerged in 2024. The album pulses with Berlin School psychedelia, yet feels utterly alive, tethered neither to strict homage nor modern artifice. When my husband asked, “What year did this come out?” I couldn’t blame him for his suspicion—Brooks nails not just the mood but the tactile essence of the era. Analog synths hum and ripple like forgotten transmissions from the ‘70s, while sequencers unfurl intricate patterns that seem to loop endlessly into space.
It all begins with "Blue Chip Fever," a bold opening that sets the pace. The track immediately places us within the folds of Brooks’ sonic universe—mechanical yet melodic, nostalgic but still invigorating. The standout, however, arrives with "Technology Suite," a ten-minute journey of pristine sequencing and lush tonal shifts. Its kinetic pace and steady rhythms feel almost meditative, yet its forward momentum evokes movement—this is music that could propel a run, each beat syncing with the cadence of feet hitting the pavement. Like the best of Tangerine Dream or Kraftwerk, Brooks infuses energy with focus, offering listeners a state of momentum and calm.
What makes Prismatics so compelling is its authenticity. Brooks doesn’t just emulate; she feels the material, threading every note with genuine reverence. The album’s warmth and attention to detail invite repeated listens, each pass revealing some hidden layer or subtle flourish. Whether you’re zoning out on a long drive or chasing an elusive runner’s high, its steady rhythms and lush soundscapes offer a perfect sonic companion. While I’m new to her catalog, this release has me eager to dive deeper into her work. Fans of hypnotic synthscapes—especially those who lose hours to vintage electronic dreamscapes—will find much to love here. This is pure bliss for the kosmische faithful.
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