Synthetic Symphony is definitely something to behold in terms of enigmatic strings meets grinding beats. It’s got a hardened core throughout that grinds deep and occasionally explodes, but it’s the striking blend that displays flashes of Vivaldi, that enable’s its solo instrument co-star to become empowered to flaunt its romantic magic.
Dysphemic & Miss Eliza are a classical violinist/dubstep/glitchhop duo hailing from Melbourne, Australia. Their official website asks a very valid question: “Ever wondered what a violin making sweet, sweet love to a sub-woofer sounds like?”
In response, their latest 6-song EP, Synthetic Symphony aims to enlighten, yet is perhaps not at all what you might imagine. Dysphemic & Miss Eliza are a truly unique duo, and have a stunning blend of forces. For the classically enlightened, Miss Eliza is a virtuoso that takes on Paganini’s most notable Caprice (No. 24 in A minor) and turns it on its head—que “Bounce Dat Shieet.” Then there’s the clever interpretation of Bach’s Chaconne in D minor—all worked around a framework of dubstep beats, giving birth to “Drum ‘n’ Bach.”
Unsurprisingly then, it’s got all the violin virtuosity you could ever want—Miss Eliza being the daughter of Fillipino violin sensation Julian Quirit (who also features on “You Are Your Father’s Daughter.” Taking up the violin at age five, she spent her teen years performing as a soloist for symphony orchestras. With no less than 40 prizes under her belt, the young violinist extraordinaire dominated Australia’s classical circuit during the late 90’s. However, to push the boundaries further, the enigmatic collaboration with Australian drum ‘n bass and dubstep producer Dysphemic presents a recipe of perfection, should dance floors worldwide seek to ignite a mark of classical trance and push it forth in a tantalizing way. The stabs of frequent electro-shock morphs surprisingly well with the classical sonorities, allowing the wooded timbres of traditional instrumentation to hold a pride of place, encased in the armor of the most unlikely partner.
“Bounce Dat Shieet” features some intense fiery tones that erupt and dance around an overlay of dubstep experimentation. There are lashings of very pure and sharply defined violin sounds, all uninterrupted, before it’s met with a brief eastern chime and chant. Further eruptions of dubstep take the lead later in the track before the violin is led back to its prominent position. A contemporary sounding synth and beat introduces “Melborne’s Burning” before the abrasive violin passages take over leading to high-pitched emotions tamed only by the steady pathways that are etched out by the rhythmic support of the dubstep beats. Vocal line floats between the two—adding to its crazed passion. “Scripture Slickness” featuring Heinz is a track of immense contrast. There’s a beautiful opening much in the vein of a vintage matinee, portraying sweet, welcoming tones, while the underlying rhythms set pace and implant a club-worthy groove. It enters into exchange with a hardened edge of rap chant that is once again sugared with the delicate underlying violin. “You Are Your Father’s Daughter” featuring Maestro Julian Quirit gives way to a solemn introduction laden with intrigue—it is the darkest of all the tracks presenting meaningful distinctions from the fragile, lonely and haunting to the explosive breaks of bombastic noise—a slight chaos while the melancholy piano maintains a direction. As its title would suggest, “Hungarian Dance” is a jovial piece that inflicts movement. It’s alight with side-stepping dance sequences before fading to a reverb-drenched violin solo that positively swells to fill every gap available. Almost psychedelic in feel, and where Miss Eliza excels as a soloist – notes gliding seamlessly into one another and blending to delightful effect.
Synthetic Symphony is definitely something to behold in terms of enigmatic strings meets grinding beats. It’s got a hardened core throughout that grinds deep and occasionally explodes, but it’s the striking blend that displays flashes of Vivaldi, that enable’s its solo instrument co-star to become empowered to flaunt its romantic magic.
Synthetic Symphony is available via Bandcamp.
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