Toronto-born, Tokyo-based electronic musician Alan Demsky, also known for his work with fellow Japan-based musician Tomy Wealth, has released his sophomore solo EP just this year, recorded 5 years after his debut The Man with the Kite. The six-song instrumental release, The Taboo of All Things,is a fascinating mixture of organic and electronic instrumentation blended into an trip-hop and jazz-influenced ambient record reminiscent of Bonobo and Tycho.
The EP kicks off with the steady, driving trip-hop track “Arctic Boogie” which weaves together hand-clap-accented percussion with layers of light treble synths and heavier, thicker bass synths, with a breakdown in the middle emphasized by a bubbling glitchy synth line. “It’s All Lemons” then picks up the pace for this record, with the faster beats and undulating synths; this is the track most ideal for a night drive.
“Rise” slow things down into a more chill, lounge-y vibe with softer synth tones and slightly muted, jazz-inspired percussion. “Powder” continues on with the jazzy percussion tone, though slightly picks up the pace again with a faster tempo and a wonderful double bass riff that is slightly reminiscent of the BadBadNotGood track “Eyes Closed” from their 2014 album III.
“What is” goes a little more experimental; while the underlying percussion is much like the previous two albums, the glitchy synths and spoken word fragments weaved into the track sets a dark, eerie mood for this penultimate track. Demsky carries on this sombre tone for the album closer “Orenda”, which also simultaneously sounds the most symphonic-influenced with the synth brass swelling gloriously, like a beacon of light breaking through the low murmuring beats, droney strings, and fluttering synth lines.
Demsky has really stepped up his production and composition from his first EP; the production has more depth and the instrumentation is more experimental yet cohesive. Highly recommended for nighttime listening, be it chilling at home, driving, or taking the night train home after a long day at work.
Check out the EP here:
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