STROKES Review
Strokes by Cong Burn was originally created as a unique midi sequencer, over the course of several updates they have added a sample engine and Mutable Instruments Plaits as sound generation sources for the internal sequencer. This turns Strokes into a creative drum machine with lots of unique sequencing potential. Cong Burn sent me Strokes awhile back to review, but up until they added the internal engines I haven’t had the chance to get into it. I should do a review on Plaits and Braids and other Mutable Instruments modules because they show up so often, but they do add a nice alternative touch to any tool that choses to include them. Having these creative drum engines in this obscure drum sequencer makes for some very experimental/ IDM style pattern generation.
I can’t say I completely understand Strokes, I’ve tried watching the tutorial and exploring around, but often times I hit a bit of a wall of confusion. I get the basics ofcourse, four main sequencers that can be any length and even are capable of euclidian sequencing. This alone combined with plaits makes it a fun glitchy groove generator. After these first four channels, there’s four logic channels, these use various logic parameters based on the first four tracks to create new trigger sequences. Decoding these logic modes is a bit like reading a spec sheet for an integrated circuit, so instead I mostly pick them at random based on how dense I want the pattern to be. You can map the parameter matrix to any controls to get more tonal variety from your sequences. I do think with a little setup getting samples or Plaits engines running, and just playing around somewhat haphazardly on the main sequencer page, it does get pretty fun. It’s a bit like decoding an alien spacecraft. The UI somewhat reinforces this with a simple vector based design. It has this minimalistic dark appeal to everything, lots of information and options on screen, but a very simple mysterious style.
While I still don’t fully understand Strokes, I have had fun with it, and I really do love having access to plaits in a drum machine, but I know I am not using Strokes to its full potential. There’s still a lot I’ll need to explore over time, like for example, the performance page, which I allows you to morph between sounds and patterns. I love experimental sequencing tools, especially ones with built in synth engines, Plaits has so many creative modes to explore, including modal, additive, and fm options, which give this a unique character. These tools make incredible source material for glitching multi-effects, perfect audio to chop up and turn into beats using more traditional methods. I’ll be sure to revisit Strokes and as I learn more and discover new things I will make amendments to this article.