Enigmatic Belgian trio Jealov have spent the last couple of years dropping releases on Mush, and this latest five track download-only EP Nyche seems that continuing to craft an unpredictable fusion that flits between dubstep, broken RnB and fractured electro-soul influences. Opening track ‘Nyche’ comes propelled by airy house rhythms that gradually decelerate into a vaguely crunked crawl by the track’s end as whispered male soul vocals, smoky jazz riffs and the occasional crackle of watery textures create a sleazy gliding atmosphere that sits somewhere between Gusgus’ euro cool and one of Collarbones’ more propulsive outings.
‘Everytime Like An Outro’ meanwhile ventures down into more brooding dubstep-centred atmospheres as slow, clattering beats wander against layers of dark, buzzing synths and vaguely g-funk keyboard riffs, the entire track slowly building towards a rattling footwork-tinged snare workout. Elsewhere, ‘Pacific 42′ takes things off on a blissful wash of female soul harmonies, subtle funk guitar and trailing percussion textures that calls to mind the widescreen chill of more recent Flying Lotus, before the gauzy layers are suddenly overtaken by a blur of ratcheting junglist breakbeats that suddenly blast things straight off towards the horizon, the female vocals maintaining pace the entire time alongside squealing electronic effects. One of the most intriguing slices of broken soul electronics I’ve heard in recent months. - Cyclic Defrost |
