Review
Olekranon
Danaus

Inam Records (2013) Cheryl

Olekranon – Danaus cover artwork
Olekranon – Danaus — Inam Records, 2013

When a band or label is as difficult to track down as Olekranon or Inam Records, then you know you're in for an experience. The chap behind Olekranon - Ryan Huber - is also the chap behind the label but getting a hold of them via the magic of the internet has proved to be a fruitless endeavour. There's a bandcamp page for the project and a discogs presence out there, but that's the most that can be found. That's alright though, sometimes you want your music to feel a little bit out there and blimey, Olekranon is certainly not within any limits that we've come across before. 

The droned out, beat-based noise that Olekranon produces is at times frighteningly hypnotic and opener "Transfixed" from the project's Danaus does exactly what its title sets out to do. The constant whirring behind a minimal beat builds before cutting off almost too soon - think the odd structures of Vatican Shadow and the way Dominick Fernow heads towards a climax before stopping suddenly. "Nine Streams" continues the looping beat while "Crooked Wheel" forces a painful swell of electronically enhanced feedback into the foreground.

"Coerced" and its repetitive rhythm gives way to the darkness of "Severed" while the curiously seductive "Marionette" curls around the echoing pace, taking a step back into more sultry territory and leaving the harsh sounds of previous tracks behind. Danaus won't be for everyone, but if electronic music is your jam and you enjoy a challenge that Olekranon are a project to sink your teeth into. 

8.0 / 10Cheryl • June 23, 2014

Olekranon – Danaus cover artwork
Olekranon – Danaus — Inam Records, 2013

Recently-posted album reviews

Menace Ruine

The Color of the Grave Is Green
Union Finale Records (2025)

One of the most unique voices in extreme music, Menace Ruine stand out in their sonic evolution. The duo of Geneviève Beaulieu and Steve de la Moth started out in a raw, uncompromising fashion, merging black metal and industrial to create absolute havoc in Cult of Ruins and The Die is Cast. In the coming years, they would expand this … Read more

Extortionist

Stare Into The Seething Wounds
Unique Leader (2025)

With a band name like Extortionist, you instantly know they aren’t messing around. I’ve watched enough true crime documentaries to know when you’re going to get tangled up with someone you shouldn’t. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, this band gives you exactly what you want and expect – raw, merciless and unforgiving music. Looking at the cover art and their … Read more

The Carolyn

Pyramid Scheme of Grief
59X, Disconnect/Disconnect (2025)

This is one of my "find" records of the year so far. I caught a few songs by The Carolyn at FEST 22 and that essentially put them on my radar, but a new record gets a band even more on my radar. But I've been struggling on how to describe The Carolyn. I'll start with "like The Lawrence Arms, … Read more