“Radical Frame,” the latest release from Darren Cunningham—known as Actress, the maverick of British electronic music who has also been nominated for a Mercury Prize. Eighteen years after his debut album *Hazyville*, this work represents the culmination of his creativity as he has pursued diverse forms of expression as a DJ, producer, painter, writer, and composer.
Through more than 10 albums to date, Actress has built a unique sonic world by reconstructing fragmented beats, abstract electronic sounds, and the energy of the dance floor. This album continues that tradition, unfolding short sketches of broken rhythms, expansive interpretations of subtle sounds, and techno/electronic music that bends into other dimensions.
The lead single “Overchord,” which forms the core of the album, presents a soundscape that is minimalist yet exudes an overwhelming presence. Furthermore, encounters with new sonic textures—such as “Live By You,” featuring CASISDEAD, and a collaboration with Preston-based artist Rainy Miller—add depth to the work.
Actress continues to redefine the legacy of the Black British avant-garde. *Radical Frame*, a distillation of her enigmatic aesthetic and innovative electronic sound, is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of club music, contemporary music, and sound art.