Elements of synth-infused radar flashes its light deep down into the aural spectrum of rustic beats and funky melodies. Where drums meet with dope-filled rhythms, breaks tear away into sheets of fresh electrical storms. It’s the second full-length for percussionist, composer, and sound designer, Graham Dowdall.
Earthling could very well be the space centre where aliens roam and study fellow humanoids. If there were an audio-lab associated with such a place, Earthling would fit the environment quite easily. From the snappy electric-funk programming of “Rtql8” and its subtle wash of ambience, Gagarin unfolds a layer of sincere sound-escapes made for extraterrestrial consumption. As if built from fiber-optic wires spinning loosely in space, the delicate frequencies on Earthling tend to fade into unknown territory. The opener, “Sloworm” gently maneuvers its way into the recesses of your brain where water casually ripples over a mountainous landscape. Eerie ambience, subliminal effects, half-heard voices, and the micro-sprinkles of sounds heard in a far away galaxy takes precedence on this album. But perhaps it’s tracks like “Abutilon” bringing back memories of times left behind and thoughts thrust ahead. It’s those moments of mind-tingling melodies that gives Earthling its surreal feel. Fans of Boulderdash and Plod take note –with a slight dub feel and warm analog effect, get ready to be launched ever so smoothly into an atmosphere of tangled electronic confusion. Another London, UK based label to watch out for, Geo has its sounds in the right space.
