Area :: One Less Me EP (Sequencias)

One Less Me is an EP that sits on the cerebral side of computer music, the abstract wing of the analogue endeavor. Headphones on, eyes closed immersion.

Area :: One Less Me

I’ve, always considered Sequencias to be a house orientated imprint. With its back catalog of D’Marc Cantu, Jamal Moss and Perseus Traxx it’s easy to see why. But I’m well aware that stereotyping, or shelving in my case, does more than a disservice. The NY brainchild of JM Frias isn’t a house label; it’s a platform that has brought thoughtful Techno, engaging electronics and absorbing abstraction to many the platter. Their latest comes from all the above categories.

Area is a new artist to me but he’s been around for a while. Running Kimochi this shadowy producer has been plying his Ambient dappled wares for several years now. For Sequencias he offers up three pieces of Techno tinted atmospherics. “Circadian” is broad yet sophisticatedly subtle. Bass and hi-hats forma base from which the track takes root. Melodies rise and lull, thick brushes of lilting trill. There’s a touch of 90s elegance this Chiagoan’s composition, a lightness of craft and delicateness. But nothing is stable. The B opens with echoing samples. Area33 hooks up with Jack for “One Less Me.” Spoken poetry is blurred, decayed and re-fed. IDM and Glitch are the influences on the noise filtered “XXeXX.” Harmonies are subjected to immense pressure, bars bending and re-emerging under the weight of stuttering static.

I mentioned the 90s above and it really feels, and sounds, like Area belongs to that decade. The sway of contemporaries isn’t here. Likewise, the demands of the dancefloor are no-where to be heard. Instead One Less Me is an EP that sits on the cerebral side of computer music, the abstract wing of the analogue endeavor. Headphones on, eyes closed immersion.

One Less Me is available on Sequencias.