Think of Mess Nguyen Duy Tri: A Deep Dive into Acid Madness (2023)

A Composer of Audacious Soundscapes

Nguyen Duy Tri, known widely by his moniker Think of Mess, is a Vietnamese experimental electronic music producer quickly establishing himself at the forefront of the global noise and breakcore scene. His 2023 release, Acid Madness, is a sonic odyssey that pushes the boundaries of electronic music, contorting genres and twisting conventions into a thrillingly abrasive masterpiece. This article delves into the world of Think of Mess, exploring the genesis of Acid Madness, its sonic deconstruction, and its place within the ever-evolving landscape of experimental electronic music.

The Birth of Acid Madness: A Cacophony of Influences

Think of Mess’ creative process thrives on a rich tapestry of influences. From the frenetic energy of breakcore pioneers like Igorrr and Venetian Snares to the industrial clang of Throbbing Gristle and Ministry, Acid Madness reflects a meticulous curation of electronic music’s most abrasive and challenging elements. Additionally, Vietnamese Ca Tru singing, a form of operatic chamber music with a long history, adds a layer of haunting dissonance to the album’s sonic palette. This unique blend of global influences ensures that Acid Madness is a truly singular experience, defying easy categorization.

Deconstructing the Madness: A Track-by-Track Analysis

1. Induction: The album opens with a jolt, a barrage of distorted breaks and warped vocal samples that immediately throws the listener into the heart of Think of Mess’ chaotic world. Ominous synth drones build tension, punctuated by bursts of industrial percussion, creating a sense of impending sonic mayhem.

2. Digital Psychosis: This track dives deeper into breakcore territory, with pummeling drum loops and frenetic sampling that evoke a sense of digital anxiety. Think of Mess masterfully manipulates audio, twisting and contorting sounds beyond recognition, creating a relentless sonic assault.

3. Echoes of Ca Tru: A haunting melody emerges, reminiscent of Vietnamese Ca Tru singing. This unexpected element adds a layer of melancholic beauty amidst the album’s abrasion. However, the respite is short-lived, as distorted guitars and frenetic beats soon return, pulling the listener back into the maelstrom.

4. Acid Rain: The title track lives up to its name, with a squelching, acidic synth line that dominates the soundscape. The relentless rhythm section and distorted vocal samples create a sense of dystopian urgency, a sonic representation of a world succumbing to environmental collapse.

5. Fractured Dreams: A moment of relative calm arrives with “Fractured Dreams.” Ethereal pads and melancholic piano chords create a dreamscape atmosphere. However, distorted glitches and bursts of noise disrupt the serenity, reflecting the fragmented nature of dreams.

6. Machine Uprising: The album takes a turn towards industrial territory with “Machine Uprising.” Grinding guitars and pounding drums evoke a sense of mechanical rebellion, a sonic depiction of a world where machines have overtaken humanity.

7. Digital Detox: A distorted yet strangely beautiful melody emerges, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the chaos. The track builds in intensity, with layers of distorted sounds and frenetic rhythms creating a sense of cathartic release.

8. Outro: The album closes with a sense of unresolved tension. Distorted drones and warped samples slowly fade out, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of unease. Acid Madness offers no easy answers, instead plunging the listener into a world of sonic chaos and forcing them to confront the unsettling realities of our digital age.

The Legacy of Acid Madness: Pushing the Boundaries of Electronic Music

Acid Madness is a landmark release in the world of experimental electronic music. Think of Mess’ audacious experimentation and genre-bending approach have garnered him international acclaim. The album has been praised by critics for its raw energy, innovative sound design, and fearless exploration of sonic dissonance. Acid Madness stands as a testament to the power of electronic music to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of artistic expression.

Beyond the Noise: The Emotional Core of Acid Madness

While Acid Madness may initially appear to be a relentless sonic assault, a deeper listen reveals a complex emotional core. The album’s frenetic energy and abrasive textures evoke feelings of anxiety, alienation, and despair, emotions that resonate deeply in our increasingly digital and chaotic world. Think of Mess’ use of dissonance and distortion can be interpreted as a critique of the overwhelming noise of the modern information age.

Think of Mess and the Tapestry of Vietnamese Electronic Music

A Scene in Flux: The Rise of Vietnamese Experimental Music

Think of Mess isn’t operating in a vacuum. Vietnam’s electronic music scene is undergoing a period of exciting growth and diversification. A new generation of producers are drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences, including traditional Vietnamese music, Western electronic music subgenres, and the frenetic energy of Southeast Asian megacities. This fusion of global and local elements is giving rise to a vibrant and unique sound that is starting to gain international recognition.

Fractured Dreams (Think of Mess – Acid Madness)

(Intro)

• Static pulse – heartbeat of a dying machine
• Glitching whispers – fragments of a forgotten world

(Verse 1)

• Shattered glass symphony – memories in pieces
• Digital rain falls – washing away reality

(Chorus)

• Fractured dreams – flickering on a broken screen
• Lost in the labyrinth – searching for a way out

(Bridge)

• Haunting melody – echoes of a distant past
• Distorted lullaby – a world on the verge of collapse

(Outro)

• Fading signal – hope lost in the noise
• We are awake – but forever dreaming in the static

This is just a brief example. You can create similar lyrical interpretations for other tracks on Acid Madness, focusing on keywords that capture the mood and soundscapes Think of Mess creates.

Think of Mess and his Vietnamese Peers:

Several Vietnamese electronic music producers are making waves alongside Think of Mess. Here are a few noteworthy names:

• Frau: This Hanoi-based producer creates hauntingly beautiful soundscapes that blend elements of ambient music, drone, and field recordings. Her music evokes a sense of melancholy and nostalgia for lost landscapes.

• Meetsulfur: This Saigon-based artist explores the darker side of electronic music, incorporating elements of noise and industrial into his pulsating techno beats. His music is a powerful commentary on the social and political realities of contemporary Vietnam.

• SpaceSpeakers: This collective of DJs and producers pushes the boundaries of club music, incorporating elements of Vietnamese folk music and global bass into their high-energy sets. They are at the forefront of Vietnam’s burgeoning underground club scene.

These are just a few examples of the many talented electronic music producers emerging from Vietnam. Think of Mess stands out for his audacious blend of breakcore, industrial, and Vietnamese Ca Tru, but he is part of a larger movement that is redefining the sound of electronic music on a global scale.

Beyond the Studio: Think of Mess and Live Performance

Think of Mess’ artistry extends beyond the recording studio. He is a captivating live performer, known for his energetic and often theatrical sets. He utilizes a complex array of hardware synthesizers, samplers, and effects processors to create a truly immersive sonic experience. His live performances are not just concerts; they are intense sonic journeys that transport the audience into the chaotic and exhilarating world of Acid Madness.

Engaging with Think of Mess: A Gateway to Vietnamese Electronic Music

For those interested in exploring the world of Think of Mess and Vietnamese electronic music more deeply, several avenues exist. Bandcamp, a platform specializing in independent music, is a great place to discover new Vietnamese electronic music producers. Additionally, online communities and forums dedicated to electronic music often have dedicated sections for exploring regional scenes. Finally, staying updated on music festivals and events in Vietnam and Southeast Asia can lead to opportunities to experience Vietnamese electronic music firsthand.

Think Of Mess Nguyen Duy Tri • Acid Madness • 2023 is a powerful entry point into the world of Vietnamese electronic music. By delving deeper into the scene, listeners can discover a vibrant tapestry of sounds that is pushing the boundaries of electronic music in exciting new directions.