The same core feeling is still there, but even in this short time, it’s apparent that skills have been built on, ideas have been nurtured, and flourishes added to round off what was already very enjoyable.
Ten tracks that are nothing short of superb
The last time I reviewed an Inkipak album I was greeted with a top-notch collection of breaks and electro, with a great balance and transition between each—clearly marking them as one to watch out for. One year on, and with several releases under their belt, Slip lands in my lap and offers up the same talent with ten tracks that are nothing short of superb. The same core feeling is still there, but even in this short time, it’s apparent that skills have been built on, ideas have been nurtured, and flourishes added to round off what was already very enjoyable.
The slow almost-drones of “Peninsula” could easily be drawn out but they aren’t, its simple yet beautiful melody applied tenderly to melting synth work setting up the next four tracks perfectly. “Unhinged” starts to give us a feel of the rhythm and relaxation that goes so well with this type of clear composition—with this year’s reissue of Warp Records’ Artificial Intelligence, and a clear resurgence of interest in the style of the period, it’s nice to hear something so modern yet so fitting to the approach.
Although “Thimble” gives hints of what’s to come with a couple of great drops, big beats and majestic scale, it’s really the pair of “Modality” and “Flush” that define the album for me. On the surface they couldn’t be further apart as they are two sides of the same coin; the former making me move easily with its summer-evening Orb-like chakra dance (just as the weather gets good too.)
Chosen melodic instrumentals are clear and punchy ::
I move just as easily but for different reasons when “Flush” comes on. It brings out the amen and janky key movements, and is going straight in my gym playlist right next to Posthuman’s Syn Emergence (2010). It’s my favorite from the album, and the way it goes full-circle every few bars keeps me going effortlessly. That simplicity I mentioned earlier is back too—Inkipak finds no reason to over-complicate things here, and the chosen melodic instrumentals are clear and punchy, breaking through everything else.
Slip has a clear arc—it’s relaxed and almost broody, right up to the point when it isn’t; right up in your face and banging. Just when you thought there may not be room to chill out again, you’re hit with “Monday” (aren’t we all?) which is exactly what I want in an ending track. Odd, aquatic and makes dissociative, if I’d put this on after a night out, I’d be questioning things right about now.
This makes it one of my favorite types of listening experiences and it’s something I’ve kept coming back to in recent days. I dare say, I’ll be coming back to it again in the coming months and even years.
BIG
Slip is available on Touched Music. [Bandcamp]
