(R)adar :: Runtime Eater EP (Xephem)

A subtle yet important addition to any experimental electronic music collection, Xephem definitely embark on earlier sonic artforms with a futuristic twist on Runtime Eater.

Returning with ®adår’s Runtime Eater, Xephem takes listeners on six amusing braindance and modular/acid-washed tunes. The title track and its shuffling breaks set the mood, while “Nebulous” soothes with melodic textures and micro-techno. Even if “Run The Meter” has more acidic passages, it nevertheless moves along with sprawling breakbeats and technoid patterns. ®adår creates lively electronics throughout. The fittingly named “Blippy” is positioned in the middle of the EP and transports us back a couple of decades with fresh and inventive IDM movements, and probably fits best on labels like Rephlex, Worm Interface or Toytronic.

“Hilltop” skillfully manipulates drill’n bass slabs with a drum infestation while retaining its melodic elements, as “16 Degrees” perfectly finishes the EP with a melancholic soundtrack and downtempo glitch veils that leaves us craving more. A subtle yet important addition to any experimental electronic music collection, Xephem definitely embark on earlier sonic artforms with a futuristic twist on Runtime Eater.