Riddim Fernandez reveals 'Slip Hop', the first in a series of EPs for Woodwork. This first collection of hearty dubs is overflowing with vibe and mood. The overall effect of these tracks is utter chill-age, while the beats themselves are chunky and thick, with every element direct and purposeful.
Opening with 'Darkstar Riddim', the sonic elements immediately signal we are in for some emotional depth alongside some vibrant rhythms and filthy bass. Riddim Fernandez sets this one up perfectly so that when the percussion drops, the half time / double time interplay takes full effect... making it impossible not to move to this.
The title track, 'Slip Hop' blends a chill atmosphere with an obnoxious and gnarly bass combo. The subs and squelches wander through an enticing maze of percussive variations, fills and drop outs. The drum programming here is a genius example of call and response against the bass.
'Dark Times' draws similarities to other downtempo gems from the Woodwork catalogue such as the work of Motion Sensor. The sense of melancholy is layers deep here. The progression travels through a range of feeling, guided by guitar-like echoes and ethereal keys.
'Chitty Bang', impossibly simple and crafty in its arrangement, focuses on detail and variation. With so very few elements, this abstract hip hop number thrives in open space and minimalism.
'Illusions' follows this same aesthetic. Working beautifully by keeping sparse until the perfect moments, where Riddim introduces hooks and parts that play only once or twice before moving to the next. The half / double time overlay occurs regularly on here in the percussion fills, the bass, and the vocals, resulting in a feel that is simultaneously laid back and pushing forward.
With 'Something Going On', all aspects confirm that Riddim Fernandez is a master of his own unique blend of abstract hip hop. His ability to highlight each part with clever variation and juxtaposition is on full display in this intense closing track.
credits
releases February 23, 2020
music by Alec Fernandes
cover artwork by Andreas Schubert
Opening with 'Darkstar Riddim', the sonic elements immediately signal we are in for some emotional depth alongside some vibrant rhythms and filthy bass. Riddim Fernandez sets this one up perfectly so that when the percussion drops, the half time / double time interplay takes full effect... making it impossible not to move to this.
The title track, 'Slip Hop' blends a chill atmosphere with an obnoxious and gnarly bass combo. The subs and squelches wander through an enticing maze of percussive variations, fills and drop outs. The drum programming here is a genius example of call and response against the bass.
'Dark Times' draws similarities to other downtempo gems from the Woodwork catalogue such as the work of Motion Sensor. The sense of melancholy is layers deep here. The progression travels through a range of feeling, guided by guitar-like echoes and ethereal keys.
'Chitty Bang', impossibly simple and crafty in its arrangement, focuses on detail and variation. With so very few elements, this abstract hip hop number thrives in open space and minimalism.
'Illusions' follows this same aesthetic. Working beautifully by keeping sparse until the perfect moments, where Riddim introduces hooks and parts that play only once or twice before moving to the next. The half / double time overlay occurs regularly on here in the percussion fills, the bass, and the vocals, resulting in a feel that is simultaneously laid back and pushing forward.
With 'Something Going On', all aspects confirm that Riddim Fernandez is a master of his own unique blend of abstract hip hop. His ability to highlight each part with clever variation and juxtaposition is on full display in this intense closing track.
credits
releases February 23, 2020
music by Alec Fernandes
cover artwork by Andreas Schubert
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