ADULT.
Detroit-based duo Nicola Kuperus and Adam Lee Mille make up ADULT., which played at Brooklyn Steel, introducing their most recent album: THIS BEHAVIOR. The piece was recorded in complete isolation in a cabin in the woods, so that they could focus on what is most important – the essence of the music – and not get distracted by the sound. This album is an exercise in self-containment and results in a dark electronic piece full of minimal beats and a claustrophobic voice. The album navigates post-industrial, electro and post-punk genres in the progression of 10 fantastic songs that evolve like any great story.
This duo merges the arts and music. That said, their career in the arts is worth a whole other piece. The pristine design and graphics of all their releases always match the beautiful darkness of their music. This is one of those bands that pays attention to every detail, and that attention goes into the music. From every beat . . . to how their name should be stylized: ADULT., in Helvetica and all caps. Their legacy of two decades and 20-plus releases, including albums, singles and EP on many prestigious record labels, underscores that consistency and good music will last the test of time, no matter the trends.
Reflecting its inception, this album deserves to be listened to in isolation, paying full attention to the music, perhaps also in a cabin in the woods.
Artist statement on the album’s writing process:
“It's confounding how often we negate the importance of disconnecting, getting weird, getting lost. Discomfort and joy intertwined. Day to day, theatrical self-presentation set to rest in our frantic social world. Public becomes private, almost too private. Looking out into frozen woods as you deliver your vocals. For who? For what? Taking walks along icy shorelines as you try to overcome writer’s block, as you try to overcome yourself. Not seeing anyone for days and weeks on end. Overwhelming thoughts and feelings come rushing in; anxiety, fear, purpose, banality, futility of task, power structures, power struggles, pointlessness, collapse. You’re faced to face yourself. Your awareness is heightened. You are neither here nor there. You are in a liminal state. As you work in this isolated cabin your windows become mirrors.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: A.F. CORTÉS