Pre Order 12" Vinyl: https://albioncollective.bandcamp.com/
Release date: Friday 29th January 2016
Taiko - ALBION002
A: Splinted
B1: Fractal
B2: Nickel
Title track Splinted dons the A Side of the release and sets the standard high with its heavy sub, percussive melody, and string lead. Robson has taken inspiration from contemporary orchestral composers such as Terry Riley and Steve Reich initiating the creation of the drums and percussion, which adds a rich analogue sound to the track, and with that conjuring an almighty atmosphere. Folk-like scratchy strings take the lead which is a theme set for the EP and highlights Taiko's tenacity for sound design and disregard for convention. Each eclectic element of the track compliments the next resulting in a guttural, energetic dance floor cut, with dark undertones making the listener feel agitated or anxious. A pulse raiser strictly for sound system use.
Over on the flip side, starting with the outer, Robson has named Fractal as a personal favourite, and we'd have to agree, it was a tough call between Splinted and Fractal for the A-side slot in in fact. Taiko offers a much warmer vibe throughout flexing another experimental set of instrumentation, this time round building rhythm with an accordion sample. An enormous rolling sub bass instantly becomes dominant after the short intro and meticulous percussion exaggerates the astounding impact from the drums. In the breaks expect a much murkier tone with a grimey string sample leading to the second drop. Robson achieves a certain level of feel-good whilst maintaining a dark and aggressive tone in his unmistakable track. A raw analogue sound, hence the wax treatment.
Nickel takes the inner side on the flip, following form to the prior with its accordion sample adding a distorted guitar drone for the melodic intro. The acoustic instrumentation couples up with irregular drum work solidifying the EP's 'live' aesthetic, whilst maintaining a dance floor orientation. Tonnes of energy meets masses of bass, Nickel is a great set opener and equally a great close to the EP.
