Odori - For Roslyn Heights
[en:pegdigital]

En:peg Digital is an mp3 offshoot of the celebrated n5MD label. Acting much like a splinter cell group, En:peg releases material that doesn't quite fit the n5 philosophy, instead it gives lesser known artists the chance to be heard. They also do it for a fraction of the normal costs too, you can purchase a brand new album for the price of a train ticket. In short, En:peg deserves to be your new favourite label.

The most recent release comes in the from of Toronto-based post-industrialist Odori. "For Roslyn Heights" is a claustrophobic mix of bleak atmospherics and razor-edged programming. It's full of swirling sound effects, schizophrenic beats and industrial modulations.

Opener "Basal" builds a brooding atmosphere for several minutes, while spectral tones intercept the vapourised synths. When the urbanized beats kick in, it acts as a real shock to the system. Totally unexpected, the programming will literally wake you from your daze and recalls the innovative beat patterns of µ-Ziq.

The Gothic-tinged "Srxra" follows and heaps on more claustrophobia by mixing a Future Sound Of London style backdrop with some stuttering electronics. "Prophylax", meanwhile, makes use of shuddering sine waves of deconstructed sound as Odori sets about filtering, stretching and generally messing with this track's outcome.

"Eddebya", though, takes the unsettling tension of "For Roslyn..." to new heights. An incredibly short piece, its explosive, metallic beats and eastern flavoured sampling comes across like Aphex Twin at his vitriolic best.

Increasing in extremity with each passing track, Odori's abrasive brand of electronica is not for the faint-hearted. But amidst the see-sawing synths, dense atmospherics and dextrous programming lives a talented musician.

Track Listing:

1. Basal
2. Srxera
3. For Roslyn Heights
4. Prophylax
5. Eddebya
6. Er`quan`yin`yue