In the last 100 days before 2020, I'll be counting down by doing a retrospective of some of the classic releases/EPs of this decade, and maybe a few lesser known gems. Expect broken beats, some leftfield electronics and the odd cheesy banger :)
(2013, Breakin Records)
Broken SD140 Part II lives up to its name within seconds. A four to the floor kick drum loops, then displaces itself, before breaking into a retro-sounding, Rephlexian beat. Not entirely new territory for DMX Krew aka Edward Upton, who’s actively been making hardware electro for 25 years, but this EP is a standout example of how versatile he can be within the confines of specific production methods.
Highlight ‘Dramatic Exit’ starts with a warm, low-mid synth, which sustains an inviting and light-hearted melody throughout the song. Underneath this, however, is some restlessly brilliant drum programming – shakers, cymbals and snares are constantly at move. A touch of reverb bathes the whole track in a pleasantly dreamy haze.
The next track makes a dramatic shift: ‘Sppoookey’ has more in common with the hard-edged, zappy electro that’s become so in vogue today. That said, it’s still a restrained and refined affair – the beat is brought to life by snares that come at different velocities, and kick drums that are genuinely punchy and not overly heavy on the low end.
On ‘Apple Grid’ – and opener ‘Honeydew’ – there’s a slight kitschiness to the synths that makes them feel both retro and futuristic at the same time. ‘Apple Grid’ in particular has a melody with plenty of actual funk, a reminder of where electro came from. Complete with ethereal arpeggiation and snare rolls, closer ‘Superficial Appearance’ builds a sense of anticipation. It’s for a payoff that is delivered with a lot of subtlety – here, the smallest synth modulations and one-shots provide plenty of satisfaction and catharsis. The same is true of this whole EP.
Highlight ‘Dramatic Exit’ starts with a warm, low-mid synth, which sustains an inviting and light-hearted melody throughout the song. Underneath this, however, is some restlessly brilliant drum programming – shakers, cymbals and snares are constantly at move. A touch of reverb bathes the whole track in a pleasantly dreamy haze.
The next track makes a dramatic shift: ‘Sppoookey’ has more in common with the hard-edged, zappy electro that’s become so in vogue today. That said, it’s still a restrained and refined affair – the beat is brought to life by snares that come at different velocities, and kick drums that are genuinely punchy and not overly heavy on the low end.
On ‘Apple Grid’ – and opener ‘Honeydew’ – there’s a slight kitschiness to the synths that makes them feel both retro and futuristic at the same time. ‘Apple Grid’ in particular has a melody with plenty of actual funk, a reminder of where electro came from. Complete with ethereal arpeggiation and snare rolls, closer ‘Superficial Appearance’ builds a sense of anticipation. It’s for a payoff that is delivered with a lot of subtlety – here, the smallest synth modulations and one-shots provide plenty of satisfaction and catharsis. The same is true of this whole EP.
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