Kinder Atom
Eagle Sprouts nuwavediskomix
Nice+Smooth Ultramedia
"Definitely a must-hear!"

Toronto minimalist electro innovators Kinder Atom have done it again. With a history of polished electronic masterworks, their previous projects and side-projects have often explored murky, moody, unknown territories. Using a standard electro-drum kit, well-honed bases and heavy dub treatments, their collaborative work moves simply and gracefully through childlike headspaces and trippy, warm areas.

On Eagle Sprouts, their new "nuwavediskomix" single, the tone is bright, open and positive. Resting on some 80s percussion references, idioms, and arrangements perhaps comparable to New Order or Cabaret Voltaire, this understated track explores the breakdowns and nuances, working the mundane with sideways perspective towards a kind of balanced euphoria, resigned but encouraging. Halfway through, a squeezy synth amps the energy, and multiple percussion layers continue to develop the quirky journey. This track makes a grand nod to the musical forms and sounds of two decades previous, while pushing forward in pursuit of new moods, sonic spaces, and musical ideas: in this, it is both a success and an interesting experiment.

On the B-side, the woozy chillout treatment of the deep house track Sangria bobs for oranges and hunts for ice cubes. Expert bass programming and attention to detailed sonic landscapes invite and envelope. There are some seriously kinky white-boy keyboard solos accompanying this solid floor thumper - completely mixable into the chill house realm. Mall management take note!

Japan Cakes, the B-side closer, shuffles a rude boy jack and invites you to crank your bass a notch. Echo tracers and dope, weird asian synth action mark the movement before a modest break issues a classic basement bass menacer. Percussion development and consistent avoidance of the riff areas on this short number creates a stimulating listen, in sum more IDM for the ears than long duration foot-bliss blast for the floor. The closing hints of ambient shifting sands invite and then, sadly, fade. Let's hear the extended mix!

Perhaps a tad more whimsical than the weighty spirit of previous tracks from the Kinder Atom gang, this new vinyl release is certainly worth its weight in daisies.

2006/07/11 / Canada / Multibeat Reviews / Karl Mohr