Having already released tracks for Static Caravan, 555 Recordings, Unbearable Recordings and Awkward Silence Steve Jefferis – aka Cathode – of Newcastle, England releases Special Measures, his debut full-length album for Expanding Records. As an added bonus, the CD version of the album also includes the QuickTime video for the non-album track “Sundowning” by acclaimed Glasgow-based video artist Rob Kennedy.
Jefferis’ music is initially very melodic and gentle to the ear, but at the same time includes experimental glitchy clicks, robotic whirs and punchy (occasionally crackly) beats. Jefferis has other tricks up his sleeve too. “Spincycle” for example has low bouncy bass throughout and an energetic uplifting air while “Roxburgh” maintains a more sombre air but similar deep vibrating bass. “Hayling and Brixton” on the other hand is minimal and glitchy with throbbing bass and precise beats that build from a gentle almost non-existent start to an electro tinged melodic close. “Basic Assumption” is entirely more experimental, with clicks, crackles and echoes overlain with what sounds like manipulated and cut up clock and/or bell chimes. The “Sundowning” video included on the CD consists of reactive visuals in the form of faded white lines on a black background and is actually more engaging than it sounds in print. “Sundowning” itself is varied mix of melody and crackling beats that cunningly switch emphasis during their course.
Each of the tracks on Special Measures flows nicely and provides a good sense of consistency throughout but each track also has an identity of its own. Part of the reason for this is that each track is given time and space to unfold and develop, often starting one way and evolving into a mutation of itself by its close.
Special Measures is OUT NOW on Expanding Records, UK.
