Phe_ - Phe_ (2011) :: Review

Phe_
Phe_
[Recycled Plastics :: 2011]

Charity Album on brand-new electronic music label features remixes by Wisp, Mrs Jynx, EOD, and others to raise money for artist's beloved cat's chemotherapy treatments

I think most of us know what it feels like to love or become deeply attached to a living companion, whether it be a cat, a dog, or any other kind of pet, which is why it's easy to understand the idea of doing anything it takes to make sure they stay happy and healthy, even if it means going into debt due to extensive vet and hospital bills. Prolific electronic artist Brian Grainger known for his diverse contributions to the electronic music community under a slew of monikers including Milieu, Coppice Halifax, Bike, TMA3, and now Phe_, shares this sentiment and is currently fast running out of money while doing what he can to help his cat Basil beat cancer.  You can help a brother out by donating directly to Basil's Chemo Fund or by purchasing his new self-titled debut album as Phe_, 100% of which also goes toward paying for Basil's treatments. A good cause isn't the only reason to pick this album up however, as the music itself is skillful, heartfelt, and done in a classic bedroom-produced IDM style that has been missing in action lately.  Oh, and you get new Wisp (Rephlex), Mrs Jynx (Planet Mu), and EOD (030303).

This promising inaugural release for new imprint Recycled Plastics features 40 minutes of original ambient / braindance-lite material paired with 40 minutes of remixes by the artists previously mentioned as well as Night Sequels (Attacknine), David Tagg (Install), Casio Commander and Simon Meredith, all compassionately provided with Basil (featured on the album's cover) in mind.  I use the term braindance-lite because of the album's mellow, downtempo nature but foot-tapping beats and layered melodies are definitely present throughout, reminiscent of the early Warp days.  It starts off with "A Bassinet", a slow paced piece with a delicately applied deep techno feel and lots of delay echoed synths.  Though the theme is repetitive, it's an enjoyable one and sets a pensive but hopeful mood that leads into a more upbeat track 2.  Playful basslines iced with emotional synths and atmospheric reverb are to follow, while strange and beautiful interweaving melodies lead you through the next couple of tracks.  "Slidden Antichoir" takes a slight detour into sharper, robotic electro territory which sounds slightly out of place, but actually serves as a refreshing change-up and further flavors the whole assortment.

"Green Minor" is the standout here, and looking at the list of remixes, I'm incidentally not the only one who thinks so.  Melancholic pads press out a revolving chord progression that goes from being haunting to comforting from moment to moment as a relaxed 808-style kick pulses softly behind it. At about 2 minutes in, just as you're about to be completely overtaken by the track's thick, slow-moving fog, airy hi-hats start to pop up around you and a sudden bass drop submerges you completely.  Wisp molds this piece into something a little faster and dancier, even adding his own fun melody lines over the top while EOD's unexpectedly darker approach focuses more on the track's bottom end, taking it even deeper and eerier with metallic harmonics and erratic rolling clicks.  All of the remixes are quality, including pronounced cat-enthusiast Mrs Jynx's lovely rework of "Opal Trace".

This is the kind of music that seeps into your subconscious and grabs hold.  Being presented as a braindance album I was hoping for some harder hitting beats, but its underlying beauty and subtle complexity make it a gentle force to be reckoned with.



Buy Phe_ MP3 album or CD-R Limited to 100 Copies :: Bandcamp | Basil's Chemo Fund

Connect with Phe_ via Recycled Plastics :: Official Site | Facebook

EOD - Utrecht (2010) :: Review

EOD
Utrecht
[030303 :: 2010]

If you're one of those people who wonders if EOD is AFX, you're in for a treat:  he's not.  EOD is Stian Gjevik from Norway and his latest EP Utrecht is absolutely gorgeous, revealing that - surprise! - there are other artists (though few) capable of analog electro of the highest caliber.  Utrecht is currently available on 12" vinyl only, and having made it onto Juno's Recommended Electro charts almost instantly, it's bound to sell out.


030303 Records describes the mood of this release best,

"On the crossroads of electronics, twisted electro and classic UK techno, this is stuff that makes you want to, well…fly away and look down upon the dancefloor. EOD resides in Trondheim, Norway and we can see this fits into a landscape sparsely lit by the magical northern lights. A big six tracker for those who crave big portions of deep space!"

EOD - Utrecht


Title track "Utrecht" combines EOD's bassline and melody mastery with dreamy, uplifting pads that truly invoke a feeling of weightlessness.  The steady beat keeps this track danceable, that is if you can still feel your legs.  "Phontron (030303 Mix)" is a sparkling, joyful acid groover with an impeccable progression and cut 3, "You're Right" features a deliberate beat and minimal arrangement that makes you realize sometimes it's the space between the notes that make all the difference.  The main "theme" is so subtle yet so catchy, which kind of sums up EOD for me in a way.  His low-key internet presence and rare live performances suggest EOD is a humble artist that simply lets his music do the talking, and it speaks volumes.

EOD - Phontron (030303 Mix)


B-side opener "Flab", which was independently released in digital format some time ago on his website as part of EAP #010, gets a well deserved chance on wax and keeps things interesting with a faster pace and sinister acid feel.  If Flab is like a night of debauchery, the subsequent interlude "Came, Went" is like religious confession the morning after.   A warm organ sound plays out a thoughtful hymn full of reverence and cathedral reverb.  Last up is "On a Herald Go", also previously released by the artist independently as part of EAP #013 but now hard to find, featuring one of my absolute favorite melodies in an electronic track, ever.

EOD - On A Herald Go



Just when you thought this record couldn't be more magical, give it a spin at 33rpm for a completely different experience.  At 45rpm (matching up to sample sound bytes provided by the record label) you get an incredibly smooth but light, fluffy and fun long playing EP perfect for solitary listening as well as DJing to a braindance crowd.  But start it up at a slower 33rpm and you have a hot and heavy after hours album perfect for wooing someone special on a bearskin rug by the fire.  And it lasts longer.

I also suggest looking into EOD's prolific but evasive back catalog as his officially released albums are only just a small taste of his vast creativity and production skills.  As for the future, keep an eye on this talented artist; he is on his way and the only way is up.

Buy EOD - Utrecht :: Juno | Clone

Connect with EOD :: Official Site | MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

EOD Live - A Rarity (And Happening Again Friday May 21st, 2010 in London)

EOD Live
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Sonic Lab @ Cable
Bermondsey St. Tunnel
London SE1 3JW

Event Announcement
YouTube Videos of Past Performance

EOD is a talented and prolific acid composer from Norway that tends to be a bit mysterious.  The majority of his back catalog is difficult to get ahold of and his web presence is quite brief as well, yet his ability to make some of the most beautiful music ever to emanate from electronic drum machines should have had him rich and famous long ago.

Friday night, May 21st, 2010, EOD will be among the massive lineup performing at The Sonic Lab live event in London.  Electronic music heavies like Venetian Snares, Luke Vibert, Ceephax Acid Crew need no introduction, but we'd like you to pay special attention to the amazing artists presented by The Centrifuge collective.  EOD, Mrs Jynx, Gareth Clarke, Oxynucid and more will be taking the stage at some point during the night and are sure to blow your minds.  EOD's MySpace page shows a performance time of 1:30am-3:00am.  Tickets will be £15 @ the door before midnight and £18 after.  Event webpage: http://www.thecentrifuge.co.uk/_wp/2010/04/ldn-2105-the-sonic-lab-cable/


As this post is about EOD, I'd like to share with you a live set he performed at the end of last year.  If you don't mind the low bustle and hum of club goers having a great time, this 5-part video playlist is a great listen.

VIDEO: EOD Live @ 030303 Party - Ekko, Utrecht












EOD :: Official Website | MySpace | Twitter