7.2/10
Overall:
Emphasising the ‘electric’ of EDM. Every sound (bar a few samples) feels like its been (sometimes) coaxed, (but more often) clawed out of a 230V plug socket. The result is a raw, fizzy, electric (if you will) album that flips from techno to jungle/DnB, from ambient to gabber, and to house and back again without any drama at all really. It feels as if a lot of the record is spent chasing highs, chasing the moment everything lines up perfectly- it would great for these moments to last a little longer, but try catch them if you can- the pulse, the energy of the record would be nothing if it stood still.
Notable tracks:
Track 3: Memory Lake
Opening bass line- it’s a very long hook, but the tone has a heavy presence, building energy for the snare to come crashing in around 0:58. The kick slowly fades in from 0:12. It’s joined by a heavier, deeper kick at 0:43, forming the full package with the bass line, punching the groove forward with intention. Surprise B section at 1:56- the track breaks down to really clean, pretty synth lines and chords, which share their lush energy with a pulsing breakbeat, riding into the mix at 2:25. Memory Lake is stripped back- but the elements which are there feel perfectly forged, deliberate. It’s a messy track, testing out a number of different ideas and combinations throughout, but sharp when correct.
Track 4: Ardkore Dolphin
Dolphin slides in with a fizzy breakbeat. Listen in to the crackle of scratched records, old vinyl from the concrete. Just as the drums are settled, they flutter out at 0:58- kickstarting a gorgeous, pulsing ambient melody. Cue the acid sounds, then the breakbeat crashes back in at 1:57. It’s a strange mix, but by 2:30 the track feels fully-formed, an assemblage of samples laid out shamelessly in the first two minutes (here’s what I’ve got, now watch me make it work). Ambient, pacing, driving, Ardkore.
Track 9: A Gargantuan Melting Face Floating Effortlessly Through The Stratosphere
Slot machine? Gamblers be warned… the rapid high of the flickering synth lines gain a pounding anchor at 0:43. Really cool use of panning as the main synth melody begins to circle left and right at 0:50. The track begins to speed up around 3:20- charging even more excited, nervous energy. A breakdown hits at 4:13, contrasting the earlier synths with a low, pulsing radar.
Shed Location 