Cyclo.

A decade ago, Japanese sound artist Ryoji Ikeda and Raster-Noton label co-founder Carsten Nicolai released their collaborative debut as Cyclo., a project focusing on the visualization of sound. For id, their sophomore release, the duo have continued mining their database of sounds composed specifically such that their waveforms produce distinct visual patterns when viewed through an XY stereo scope phase display. The album hasn't been mastered ― this was done on purpose so as not to modify the original waveforms. When presented without the requisite visual accompaniment, id is surprisingly musical. That said, the first 30 to 60 seconds of high-pitched tones of "id#00," the first track, are enough to bring one to tears. A publication of the visuals produced by the duo, meant to accompany the album, is forthcoming; it will no doubt provide a platform against which their unique sound can be juxtaposed.