I’ve a feeling there might be more in the RX-101 duffel bag of DAT cassettes, and while they’re being rummaged through, why not reacquaint yourself with some of Jong’s inspirers: Caustic Window anyone? Cylob? Global Goon? A work filled with cheerful charm.
As we all know, life has a tendency of getting in the way sometimes. I had the good fortune of interviewing Erik Jong, aka RX-101, when he was first unearthed by Suction Records. Sadly, life got in the way when EP3 dropped but nothing will be put on hold with the final installment of the series ready to hit shops, EP4.
Thought by Solvent to be the lost work of Aphex Twin, RX-101’s style is steeped in the sound of the 90s. Chipper melodies are countered by harsh percussion, sweet synthlines soured by acid bars and coarse claps. Six generous tracks make up this final 12″. Clipped beats give way to warbling chords as “Themis” harks back to a C64 8-bit innocence. In parts this latest collection feels like a response to Bochum Welt’s Module 2 album, metallic sounds being countered and softened by strings and analogue warmth. Other pieces, like “Saiph” and “Transmission,” are dead ringers for Mu-Ziq’s Bluff Limbo period, playful key changes and thick bass pushed into distortion. “The Quest for Ganymedes” closes this final outing. Delicate bars are interspersed by wet snares in a work filled with cheerful charm.
EP4 is a bittersweet release. Wonderful music yes, but it’s sad to see such a series end. RX-101 has rekindled many people’s love of early electronics, a sound characterized by bedroom tapes and a desire to rewire electro and techno. I’ve a feeling there might be more in the RX-101 duffel bag of DAT cassettes, and while they’re being rummaged through, why not reacquaint yourself with some of Jong’s inspirers: Caustic Window anyone? Cylob? Global Goon?
EP4 is available on Suction.
