If an AI were tasked with cross-pollinating Thomas Dolby with Photek, it might sound a lot like this funky, freaky, frantic masterpiece.
A unique, cutting edge brand of IDM-bent electro
Every new release by Fleck E.S.C. is like a trip to the candy store—a highly anticipated dip into a fresh bag of his electro space cookies. 486.134 dropped from Science Cult in October of 2021, released on limited blue 12″ vinyl as part of their Astra Spectra series; a “celebration of mankind’s vision for space exploration, past and future“. Each release in the series is representative of a color frequency of the Fraunhofer Absorption Spectrum of the Sun, with this blue episode corresponding to Hydrogen. The entire set packs a stunning array of music from highly esteemed producers, each offering a worthy chapter for the label’s inspired concept. For this, the 6th in the series, Fleck E.S.C., as expected offers his unique, cutting edge brand of IDM-bent electro.
“Hot Bath” straight-off establishes the precarious atmosphere that underlies every Fleck track. Organic breaks, programmed with the stylistic flourishes of a producer with actual drum kit chops, leave plenty of space for an intricate weave of short acid tweaks, gurgling bass, and noisy vocal hits and scratches. A soothing atmospheric layer drifts throughout, transmuting madness to meditation, topping a strong and stoic opener for the EP.
“Further Away” immediately flexes muscular beats that stripe Fleck’s array of machine sounds with undeniably human feels. While getting the sense that a relentless groove is unfolding, we are deceptively set up for an extended out-of-body breakdown of warm spacious synths and a subtle effect layer that build slightly into a resurgence of that beat…that serious beat.
“Inflammatory” is a masterclass in rhythmic robotics and parallel harmonic motion. Engaging dynamics guide this track start to finish with melodic themes on shiny synths emerging in the forefront under a subtext of intricate beat sonics. The contrasting layers swirl in a tasteful and purposeful cycle that brings each element into the spotlight before wistfully fading to a delicate afterimage.
A masterclass in rhythmic robotics ::
A version from Syrte unfolds with desperation and profound force, redressing the impeccable parts of Fleck’s original mix of ‘Inflammatory’, while in a stroke of gloriously indulgent creativity, also referencing an absolutely essential piece of obscure electronica; the minimal and retrowave-esque “Fever Dream” by Datassette. Syrte blends both sources wittingly, delivering true justice with his smash-up remix approach. For anyone unfamiliar with the maestro known as Datassette, let “Fever Dream” be your introduction to a remarkable world of unmatched genius and safely consider this Syrte remix a must-have.
“Lost Privileges” makes a gradual ascent from a spacious percussion intro to feature Fleck E.S.C.’s staple weird melodic phrasing. If an AI were tasked with cross-pollinating Thomas Dolby and Photek, it might sound a lot like this funky, freaky, frantic masterpiece.
As it stands, the limited vinyl release of 486.134 is sold out, which comes as no surprise. Regardless, this is required listening and a vital digital release for the collection. Without question, this was one of the hottest EPs of the year, and a testament to the high standard of style and quality of everything both Fleck E.S.C. and Science Cult are known for.
486.134 is available on Science Cult. [Bandcamp]
