Startslow :: Anthropomorph EP (Drawn)

Released on Drawn Recordings, this four song EP, as its name signifies, attributes a traditional western (organic) means of musical expression through the use/accompaniment of electronic (inorganic) synthesis as its medium for communication.

[Release page] With Antropomorth, Gustave Savy, aka Startslow, releases a predominantly vocal driven bass musical. Released on Drawn Recordings, this four song EP, as its name signifies, attributes a traditional western (organic) means of musical expression through the use/accompaniment of electronic (inorganic) synthesis as its medium for communication.

The EP’s title track opens with relaxed hand percussion and a ‘breezy’ cool jazz wind ensemble. Tension quickly pulls at the listener with encroaching bass stabs, cleverly mounting to introduce a heavy, dirty and bouncy bassline centric composition. The release of tension, which is quite unique and a signature of Startslow’s sound, arrives in the form of super smooth sax riffs, allowing a short respite from gritty low-end bass synthesis. The comping and layered arrangement between bass and saxophone really define the track’s groove and nicely accentuates the movement of the composition for a sleek and moody, weighed down feel. A multitude of new and interesting synthesized sonic elements come in to support the progression at the right moments.

“Edges of the Sun” delves deeper into the corpus, features the soulful singing of Louise Cody. This composition is a slow downtempo jazz lounge ballad supported with graceful grand piano keys. Trip-hop drums and peaking hollow sub-bass round out the cold energy providing an empty and spacious stereo field. Louise’s voice fills in with a graceful, yet dominant character, which harmonizes very well with the sub bass beneath. Even with the audible recognition modern electronic elements in the production, “Edges of the Sun” carries a timeless, tense and emotional soul structure at its core.

“Thought Export” can be categorized as a rave-ready UK grime track, featuring the speedy lyrics of the Sticklepath Bandits. However, a great use of counterpoint in the melodic evolution is the break of the track presented a well-built “morph” into Startslow’s saxophone solo. Built up as more of a wind-down, the sax is supported by and plays between a groove modulated and wobbling bassline. The instrument choice and overall arrangement produces a fusion of styles and results in a fresh feel by providing closure which is contrary to expectation of more straight forward UK garage tracks of the early to mid 2000s.

“Tortu” featuring the smooth singing of Miele Passmore, like “Edges of the Sun,” is a slow and moody soul-bass excursion. What is notable about this bass infused downtempo song’s style is that the keys and drums sway, engage and evolve into a 3/4 and 4/4 time signature layering to produce a bass-waltz. It is this crescendo that produces the high point of musical energy and in addition, quite a pleasant surprise to the listener. This is a prime example of Startslow’s ability to utilize classical training to navigate the rugged terrain of bass forging and mold progressive electronic music for highly effective artistic expression.

Anthropomorph is available on Drawn. [Release page]

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