Sunny Graves' debut release comes in the form of a four track EP recorded, assembled and mixed via analogue and digital means between Barcelona and New York during 2013 and marks the first official output for Simon Williams' (formerly Jahbitat) most personal and focused project to date.
'Bayou EP' comprises a thoroughly meditated collection of work made up of four carefully constructed rhythmic, melodic, textural and emotional explorations in which dense layers of synthesisers and processed samples collide and breathe with pulsing beats, and where bass frequencies, soundscapes and saturation envelop cyclical and mutating melodies. At times sharp, relentless and challenging and at others hazy, sedated and hypnotic, its four tracks grow dynamically and gain intensity, building in tension to then release, their layers folding into each other and generating a type of harmonic, percussive and multi-tonal wall of sound.
Throughout its entirety one can pick up on subtle traces of a myriad of influences (from ambient music and the cosmic tradition to the hip-hop, jungle and 90s electronics of Williams' UK based youth), all seeped in over the years, distilled and then poured back out again, yet its resulting sound instinctively escapes the trappings of any specific genre. At once psychedelic, dream-like, penetrating, immersive, tense, ecstatic and physical, each track embodies an exercise in channelling the inherent yet divergent sound that embraces the aural obsessions of its producer. Tracks like "Spring (Slow Return)" and "Drawing Hands In Soft Light", with their enveloping synth pads and crackling textures, haunting vocal samples, hard-driven bass tones, clattering percussion, guitar feedback drones and relentless, trance-inducing arpeggios, epitomise the EP's sonic scope and serve as testament to Sunny Graves' expansive vision.
The artwork and design have been meticulously carried out by Barcelona-based graphic designer Ariadna Serrahima, whose predominantly greyscale motives seek to further stress the importance of contrast in a project greatly inspired by the confrontation and eventual resolution between subtlety and abrasiveness, light and its absence.
A1 – Moon & Stars: The very chilled and relaxing Moon & Stars opens up the EP. This goes into the deep laid back vibe, with drifting pad washes and subtle pan stabs. The understated kick drum, hi-hats and clap create simple but effective groove, with a background rumbling bass accompaniment. The lead sounds sit well in the mix and the overall balance of sounds is tight, definitely one for the early AM business.
A2 – Patriarch: Retaining the downtempo mellow vibe from the previous tune, but has a more dramatic feel overall.... mainly due to the beat work that has a punchier feel, but without getting out of control on heaviness. The soundscape has a lot of tidy detailing, wrapped in a dare I say an almost rave like stab. Don’t let this put you off as the way its used is very understated and works well. The piano parts are fitting throughout and give a positive atmosphere over the more melancholic background pads.
B1 – Haven (Ft. Jennifer Hall): Slowdown shut you eyes and drift away with this very beautiful, peaceful jam. Jennifer Hall’s vocals on this are stunning, and are mixed to perfection. Blocks use of space between the vox is what gives that touch of magic. The beats are hypnotic, especially when coupled with the live sounding bass. The use of string sounds on the track compliment, giving a thought provoking quality.
B2 – Séance: The final tune has a very different approach. Not in terms of soundscape or tempo, as this falls into the slower chilled arena. Thing is this track has a film score atmosphere to it and real drama. The main attraction here is the 80’s style pulsating bassline that has pure drama written large all over it. The pads and effect-based sounds used are superb and have a edgy feel to them. Get you retro hats for this one, its got one leg in the past of synth noodles of old, and another in a space age future. EPIC.
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