TwoShell delivers a four pack of understated-yet-riveting tunes from the future.
Some techno tunes aim to please via brute force – as long as the kick pounds, the dancers abound. Other techno tunes strive to create a hypnotic atmosphere, allowing ravers open their hearts and shut off their brains. TwoShell’s “SoulCity E.P.” doesn’t quite fit into either of these boxes; and it’s beautiful. “SoulCity E.P.” is quirky techno at its finest. It’s not too weird – you can still dance to it (and dance you will, dear listener) – but it’s also thrillingly unique.
The A1 tune, “Blobject,” is filled to the brim with blips, blops and bleeps that create a playful, almost childlike tone. Around the 2:30 mark, a short breakdown introduces sun-drenched chords that deliver a relaxed and hopeful mood. The drums are fairly modest, allowing the vivacious chords and blops to shine through.
The A2 cut, “Soft Core,” is the brooding older brother of “Blobject.” The tune feels guarded and a bit dark. Around the 3:20, mark, however, it opens up with a cinematic chord progression. This leads to a climax of broken beats accompanied by a horn-like instrument that sounds like the 2080 equivalent of the Hip-Hop air horn.
In the final tune, “Speedbaby,” it’s the quiet moments that stand out. During a few fleeting breakdowns, we hear a glowing, ethereal range of vocal samples complimented by warm, gyrating synths. It’s moments like these that make “SoulCity E.P.” special – it’s techno to be listened to, not just danced to.
– Forest Lieberman
Check out “SoulCity E.P.” here – Bandcamp
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