Inkamera / Galaxian :: Double review (Last Known Trajectory)

It’s great to see LKT return to vinyl. The British label set a solid standard with their first outings. Inkarmera and Galaxian are quality additions to that well-rounded roster. Lukas moulds sonic sheets, dissecting robust forms into tight cylinders and pure patterns. Galaxian exemplifies the rawness of Glasgow, coupled with the city’s once bright-eyed vision of the future.

Over its lifespan Britain’s Last Known Trajectory has brought some excellent Electro records to life. Supporting new and established talent, LKT has been a platform for uncompromising machine music. After a period of silence the UK based imprint returns with a new name to add to the roster and an EP finally arriving from 2012.

Victoria Lukas is known for her work with Gerard Donald, collaborating under the inspiring Zerkalo. She also turned heads recently under her Vita alias for Frustrated Funk. But, for LKT Lukas adopts yet another nom de plume. The mask is donned and Inkamera is born.

In Existendo hosts five tracks of unrelenting mechanics. The clipped beats of “Superpartners (Photon Photino)” are further reduced by radiating chords. Warm is matched by the chill of machine but the coldness takes over for “I Can Speak.” Burbling electronics are festooned with cylinders of ice as Arctic winds coil. The pace is lowered for “Potencia.” Orbs of analogue drift into the statospheres as beams shoot further into the cosmos. The record has that heightened touch throughout, that unmistakable something “extra” that elevates the tracks beyond the standard scope. Sharper notes are utilised for “смерть не существует (Death Doesn’t Exist).” Lukas continues to weave her terse magic. Bleeps and plinks are overran as depth descends. Spartan separation combined with rich texturing. Vocals fully arrive for “Human Terms.” Julie Pello offers laconic lyrics to orbit the final shards of isolation.

A record first cut in 2012 is now seeing shelves. Confused? Don’t be. Galaxian’s Looting of Reason test pressings first came out in 2012 but is now out, for purchase that is. I briefly met Galaxian when I lived in Glasgow, a frenetic character with a certain liveliness behind the machines. This four tracker exemplifies the energy I witnessed, vigour to an Electro beat. The ominous “Psychosociety” sets the scene. Well, the lofty literature that accompanies the 12” sets the tone; a postcard espousing some of the vices of our consumer society. Anyway, back to the track. A star cruiser rotates, ripples of bass cutting into the void. Ambient engines burn and soulful echoes rise. “Surge,” as the name might suggest, comes from a different place. Beats batter and bludgeon as razor blades of synth slice into the floor. The pace is cruelly fast as chords hammer to mutilate this into a scarred stomper. “Warhead” keeps the atoms dancing. Lightening pierces and machines bury deep. The final assault lands with “Overthrow.” Keys are engaged and all out nuclear fallout ensues. Vocals are sampled, boiled out of recognition, and injected into this molten broth of sacrilege. In other words, an all round decent banger.

It’s great to see LKT return to vinyl. The British label set a solid standard with their first outings. Inkarmera and Galaxian are quality additions to that well-rounded roster. Lukas moulds sonic sheets, dissecting robust forms into tight cylinders and pure patterns. Galaxian exemplifies the rawness of Glasgow, coupled with the city’s once bright-eyed vision of the future. Hard-edged dancefloor material from the Scot. Keep it coming.

Both release are available on Last Known Trajectory.