MMT-8 :: Sequencer EP (Cultivated Electronics)

Sequencer shows the sharper side of Cultivated Electronics. Clinical rhythms, driving bass lines and just a touch of warbling funk when needed. A solid expression of why 2015 has been a good year for electro.

There’s been a bit of a buzz around electro in the past twelve months. 2014 it was house. Maybe it still is, I don’t honestly know. Now I haven’t trawled through the sticky syrup of self interest that surrounds end of year lists. Puns aside, I’d hope that there is a decent mention of some of the excellent colder edge of electronics releases that have been dropped in these endless litanies.

One label that has simply been dedicated to machine music is Cultivated Electronics. For eight years the London imprint has been serving up the frosted goods, adding inhumane emotion and some extra dance floor kick when necessary.

The latest comes from the latter of the above, with a bit of walk in fridge iciness thrown in for good measure. MMT-8 sees the boss, Sync 24, hook up with the frighteningly prolific Ed DMX for Sequencer.

A teeth shaking bass introduces the record. “The Growler” lives up to its name, rumbling belly chords are spiked by snares. Less ferocious than its name might suggest this is an entrance into the realm of MMT-8. That edge of machine funk that has characterized much of Mr DMX’s work is plain to hear in “Cosmic Warp.” Beneath shifting synth sands beats remain stable as muddy melodies meander and merge. That same groove is present for “Never Been to Bristol” but the playfulness of its predecessor has turned. In its place looms a dark and menacing mechanization, one that consumes and leaves nothing but ash and soot. A blustering arctic wind swirls over the entire EP and it’s in “Mindlocked” where its true bitterness can be felt. Metallic twangs and biting echoes coil and stretch for a cruel close.

Sequencer shows the sharper side of Cultivated Electronics. Clinical rhythms, driving bass lines and just a touch of warbling funk when needed. A solid expression of why 2015 has been a good year for electro.

Sequencer is available on Cultivated Electronics.