To Contain Multitudes

Jesse Whitney is an artist that seeks to explore what it means to possess consciousness on this plane of existence (and occasionally others as well). His goal as a synthesist and producer is to create portals of introspection through electronically generated sound, culminating in genre-transcending tunes that cut to the heart of the matter while leaving room to explore the heady. Born, raised, and based in Minneapolis, Whitney is a longtime devotee of the electronic music underground—amidst a variety of collaborative projects in the Twin Cities, he also curates Æther Sound, a record label dedicated to leftfield, experimental, and ambient.

On his new album “To Contain Multitudes,” Whitney celebrates the glory days of IDM in the now, providing a sense of reflection and adventure that feels distinctly modern while nodding to cherished influences. His work here is informed by contrast and contemplation, conjuring images of a sentient machine ruminating on the whereabouts of its creator. Sweeping, droning pads provide an eerily calming presence in the midst of hurried, pulsating drum patterns and deliciously distorted bass lines. Cold, mechanical sonics resembling a conveyor belt to existential dread are balanced by a striking gentleness and warmth, infused with a human sense of melody. Whitney’s exploration on “To Contain Multitudes” is full of surprises yet intelligible, merging the controlled chaos often present in IDM with an effortless gliding sensation. Jam it in your bunker, or take it for a planet-side drive in the cruiser of your choice.