Anode Records is back with another Midwest icon, hosting Indianapolis techno veteran Adam Jay as he delivers four fresh warehouse weapons on “Cheap Thrills” ranging from dark and gloomy to smooth and serene for the St. Louis-based label. While the prolific producer is coming off another EP and double LP just last month in March, Jay shows no signs of fatigue in this exemplary release.
The title track “Cheap Thrills” starts off with a static acid sequence and seductive bass line to get your heart pumping for the melodic journey that ensues. The dissonant acid melody in the intro sets up the lovely and lush pitch-bent chords that join the mix, bringing the track into hypnotic territories before coming back to the barebones dancefloor workout on the outro.
“Orthostatic Hypotension” comes in next with another chugging groove built for the warehouse. Dubby chords lead the charge waving through filters as the beat progressively gains momentum, keeping your head bobbing the whole time. An excellent use of saturation throughout the “Cheap Thrills” record is highlighted here as you can almost feel the dirt on the concrete walls that the number is destined to occupy.
“Highly Caffeinated Ideas” starts the b-side with yet another entrancing groove emphasized by a tightly locked disorienting synth sequence that stays evolving throughout as if inhibited with ADHD. The randomization keeps the ear interested as the playful drums move the body with careful programming throughout that keeps a constant flow of momentum.
“Diphon Dreams” finishes off the record with a hefty serving of euphoria, slowing the bpm and bringing a ‘dreamy’ dub techno feel to the finale. Slowly drifting through clouds best describes this delay-soaked synth voyage that shows the more melancholic side of his producing skills while still containing all the grit contained in the previous tracks, completing another top notch release for Anode with this “Cheap Thrills” EP.
-Kai Loo
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