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Sensient - Zone Effect EP
Zenon Records 2007 (MP3/WAV Single)
(Reviews) Author: Basilisk :: Posted: March 28th, 2008 / Updated: March 31st, 2008 :: 754 views
02 :: Sidestep (9:29)
The Zone Effect EP is the first digital single from Sensient (Tim Larner), an Australian producer largely responsible for bringing minimal psytrance back from the brink of oblivion. Predictably enough, both songs are composed in his signature style: dark, heavy, brooding, and extraordinarily powerful. In terms of sound, this EP is close to that of AntiFluoro, Sensient’s third album, released in 2006. As always, the level of production is very high, offering clarity, fatness, and an immense sense of space.
Zone Effect dishes out a hollow mechanical groove glazed with stylized atmospheric flourishes. Tribal textures dominate in the early moments: thematic drum patterns and ethnic vocalizations can be heard. The break introduces an intriguing sample about being “in the zone” before launching the listener into the final stages. Fresh contusions result from increasingly complex rhythmic mutations. The feeling of these later sequences is almost optimistic in some strange way; Tim is once again working with contrasting elements to invoke a nuanced response.
Sidestep drops down into deeper grooves, running at about 132 BPM. The monotonous kick drum gains support from a blackened bass line and an ever-shifting set of eerie vocal manipulations. The rhythmic detailing in this piece is particularly ornate; tribal toms strike with immense force, shuffled hi-hat surrogates shake it up, and hints of funk guitar inject an exotic flavour. Surprisingly uplifting female vocals emerge later on, contrasting strongly with the brutal beats. This juxtaposition emphasizes the sense of dread and foreboding that had been growing throughout the course of this excellent track.
Sensient meets expectations with this digital single; existing fans will be very satisfied. Sidestep and Zone Effect are both fine examples of Larner’s distinctive style. Anyone with a taste for techtrance would be well-advised to check out this EP. It is available for purchase from Beatport and several other digital download outlets.
More Information
Psynews // User-based review forum.Zenon Records // Label home page.
Sensient // Artist home page.
March 29th, 2008
Thank you for a good thing.
March 30th, 2008
Am I glad there are still artists out there making minimal. I liked it so much I bought the mp3 compilation from Zenon. Never even heard of the label.