The “very long” EP spirals off into some relatively melancholy moods but never loses a sense of hope and optimism, even in the most twisted and austere arrangements found here.
Setting a standard for modern-era IDM
Ilkae has been very busy recently, releasing any number of compilations, EPs and albums. The latest being Questionable Casino which is, in their words, “a sequel” to Formal Format—a spiritual successor in the sense that Formal Format is some of Ilkae’s more obtuse/angular and, well, Autechrian tracks.
Truly picking up where we left off, Questionable Casino is probably as close to Autechre as you’ll hear Ilkae come—veering deeply into chaotic looping rhythms, twisted and broken beats, and unconventional, sometimes algorithmic sounding melodies. One thing that differentiates Ilkae from the Manchester duo, however, is the playful and upbeat vibe that is sustained throughout every track. The “very long” EP spirals off into some relatively melancholy moods but never loses a sense of hope and optimism, even in the most twisted and austere arrangements found here. That, and the omnipresent creative sampling that has been an Ilkae trademark, using many found sounds common to IDM but also bits of live instruments and possible field recordings that ultimately contributes to the very much live and organic feel of this already intricate EP.
If you enjoy this, you really should check out more of Ilkae’s catalog as you’ll find the same level of quality and complexity in everything they’ve done. This is, to me, one of their more notable releases and I think sets a standard for modern-era IDM.
Questionable Casino is available on Inpuj. [Bandcamp]
