The formation of One Electronica is allowing that network of talent across Ireland to grow, giving Belfast a new club night and introducing the faithful to some a new and interesting sounds.
A few years back I fancied a return to University, almost five years ago to be exact. Ireland was still flourishing and “mature” students, anyone over 23, could avail of a Masters course for free. Figured I’d have me a bit of that. Having recently returned to Ireland I wanted to live somewhere new. I’d lived in Galway and Dublin so the options were Belfast and Cork. Belfast, with its free application process, won. I hadn’t been in Northern Ireland much, but had heard, seen and read about it. The divided city, with its cruel and macabre history, wasn’t the easiest place to live; but it did have a charm especially its friendly people. Something it didn’t have was an electronic music scene. I used to play out, DJ, from time to time when I lived there but there wasn’t really a decent base. Some years later and that necessary foundation of like-minded folk seems to have been established. One Electronica, founded by Belfast based Samaan and Superior Inferior, is a club night which has now spread its wings into a label.
The first two EPs are by Techno enthusiast Samaan. Wildlife is first, a three tracker of cerebral heaviness. Aspects of Detroit are married with the bolstered bass of Berghain coupled with Chicago echoes, even some outright 303 annihilation thrown in for good measure. Terminator Reserve, the follow up EP, maintains the quality. Four tracks that shift and merge. Sinister sounds that border on Jak crack and burst with memories of the UK 90s scene in “Stilted.” Luke Hess is drafted in for an excellent interpretation of the title track.
The latest comes from the co-founder Superior Inferior. This is the Belfaster’s first outing, offering up Echellon XIII to the electronic masses. The title track opens with a rolling melody, cascading analogue chords met by some solid drum programming. Harmonies drift, shifting into new structures for a very accomplished piece. 303 squawks arrive for the heavy brute of “Interstellar Acid Pzykosis.” Beats harass with claps gang together into a menacing pack, a mob wielding machete chords and dark eyes. John Heckle arrives fresh off the boat from Liverpool to deliver two takes on the title piece. The Merseysider’s first interpretation utilizes the flowing melodies of the original and layers toms, snares and acid to add his distinctive mark. The second installment amplifies bass lines for a dream-lined stomper, bludgeoning and beatifying stuff from Heckle.
There are exciting electronic developments sprouting across Ireland. Labels and artists across the island are turning heads. From the likes of DefeKt in Dublin to John Daly in Galway, the emerald isle is enjoying an electric age the likes of which it has never seen. The formation of One Electronica is allowing that network of talent across Ireland to grow, giving Belfast a new club night and introducing the faithful to some a new and interesting sounds.
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