Eat Static – Epsylon EP

After the success of Implant in 1994, Eat Static returned with Epsylon, a four-track single released on CD and 2LP vinyl with Planet Dog and Ultimate Records. Additionally, Mammoth Records combined the Epsylon and Lost In Time EPs to form a pseudo-album simply entitled Epsylon. Here I will only be reviewing the four tracks from the original single released with Planet Dog in 1995.

The title track Epsylon is sluggish and dour, meandering through nine understated minutes filled with electro-robotic beats faintly reminiscent of Koxbox’s World Of Illusions. Spaced out and gloomy, this is a mood-setting tune.

Eat Static take a completely different approach with Dionysiac, a visionary drum ‘n bass tune that draws upon Middle Eastern influences as much a vast cosmic trance sounds. It is a curious mix, but they make it work! Lovely tune.

Merv Pepler goes solo on Peeow! This is a cheeky track with a simple house-like groove. A variety of cute noises quiver and shake as the song develops. Charming though it may be, it is also somewhat forgettable.

The last song is a remix of Uforic Undulattice, originally released on the Implant album. Here is where it all comes together: Eastern melodies, gorgeous tribal chanting, warbling acid riffs, and wobbly bass-heavy rhythms. Wonderful!

The Epsylon EP is a solid release from the early years of Eat Static. Fans will not be disappointed as long as they aren’t expecting a full album’s worth of creative goodness. Only Dionysiac and the Uforic Undulattice remix really do it for me—the other two are pleasant enough to hear, but nothing too special. Still, as it is widely available, it makes a nice addition to any old school collection.