Xenopocene

Released in 2023 on Dome of Doom, Xenopocene represents a significant conceptual pivot for Alfred Darlington, better known as Daedelus. Moving away from the 'Victorian' aesthetic and Omnichord-heavy nostalgia of previous eras, this album explores themes of deep time, alien contact, and the 'Xenopocene' - a speculative epoch defined by the strange and the foreign. The album is structured as a chronological narrative, beginning with 'Day 0' and stretching to 'Day 10k' and beyond. Sonically, it is a masterclass in 'controllerism,' utilizing Darlington's signature Monome techniques to create intricate, stuttering rhythms that feel organic despite their digital origin. Critics noted the album's shift toward a more serious, atmospheric tone compared to the artist's earlier, more playful output. It stands as one of the most cohesive and narratively driven works in the Daedelus catalog, blending IDM, glitch, and ambient textures into a singular, immersive experience.