Wild and racing electronica straight from Bristol, courtesy of Henry James, aka, Boulderhead. Three forward thinking tracks that stand out as artistic expressions above anything else. “Metamorphose EP” delivers clean and calculated dance tunes with a determined emphasis on individuality. Bright and slightly melancholic harmonies cater to the more esoteric side of techno, showcased on the “Craigie Knowes” label that’s known for eerie techno releases.
A long, drawn-out delay starts the EP off on “Quantum Vector Missile” and continues through the entirety of the song, establishing a rhythm that seemingly plays catch up with itself. The tune plays like a Speed Racer episode, beginning abruptly and then slamming the gas pedal up to above 140 beats per minute. If not Speed Racer then Steve McQueen demonstrating unbelievable maneuvers as he inevitably loses his chasers. Eventually gong-like synth join in song and dance with the muted cymbal and snare delays, which have not let up. A jam that feels like it should have a couple more minutes to really let itself go is forgiven by the light-hearted funky atmosphere it creates.
Spacey ambience sets the mood as signature UK drumbeats, reminiscent of its jungle and garage heritage, spicing things up almost immediately. Droning vocals symbolize a space port or ship’s announcer giving commands in monotone fashion. Like the first offering, a slick, secret-agent like vibe is hidden underneath the sci-fi shell on “Polynomial Camouflage.” There is an enjoyable stereo transfer that sweeps from left to right, seemingly in centrifugal nature, as if the gravity of the spacecraft is affecting the dynamics of the track. It does a great job transporting the listener and nurturing a warped sense of timing that would most likely be accompanied by space travel at unfathomable velocities.
At the start of the title track “Metamorphose,” echoes, delays, and even spirals add another dimension and emotional response to the listening experience in a hard to pin-point kind of way. It very much incorporates a feeling or feelings that can separate itself from the pure sonic frequencies it produces. Clever and efficient stylings from “Boulderhead” come solid as a rock in “Metamorphose.”
Make sure you bring the oxygen tanks when departing on this journey. It’s gonna be a while until you return.
-Jack Plumb
Check out Dirty Epic music recommendations here.
Listen to our podcasts here.
Find out more about our events here.
