With the most irresistible IDM-infused dark electronica I have heard in a while, AES Dana and Miktek take us on a highly atmospheric nocturnal ride through futuristic, harsh industrial landscapes.
Ultimae artists had joined forces before. In 2004 the first H.U.V.A. Network (AES Dana and Solar Fields) album, Distances, was released. Many consider it a masterpiece of acid ambient / downtempo electronica. Five years later, the duo took its sound and style to new dazzling heights with its second album, Ephemeris. No doubt every Ultimae aficionado should own a copy of both. Later on Hybrid Leisureland and Cell had joined forces and in 2012 released their distinctive spacey downtempo jam, 9980, under the project name Connect.Ohm.
December 2014 brings us a new collaborative effort from the excellent Lyon-based imprint. This time it’s a three-track EP (the first chapter in a series of three) containing the joint creations of AES Dana and Miktek. As opposed to the previous Ultimae collaborative projects, this one brings together two artists with somewhat similar sound and style. Cut. EP feels so natural, its flow is effortless and hypnotic. Spacey widespread pads, magnetizing, metallic, granular and crisp beatwork, deep rolling basslines and subtle modern classical tendencies, assemble a highly atmospheric nocturnal ride through futuristic, harsh industrial landscapes. Very detailed, very dynamic. The most irresistible IDM-infused dark electronica I have heard in a while. To be honest, this is just so good, I’d rather AES Dana and Miktek will produce a full-length album instead of completing the EP series.
These three tracks, together with perhaps four or five more in the same vein, will surely assemble one of Ultimae’s finest releases ever. A match made in heaven.
Cut. EP is available on Ultimae. [Bandcamp]
