Declan James makes his celebrated Peer debut with the five-track Symbolic Function EP. The Dallas, Texas producer and VOIDWARE founder’s stripped-back style of techno is well suited for the Bay Area label’s forward-thinking yet time-tested approach to techno.

A familiar structure slowly takes shape from amorphous, shimmering tones throughout the runtime of the title track. A remix of “Symbolic Function” also appears on the EP of its namesake. Offered up by Peer stalwart Secus, it gives the concept more groove in the form of resonant basses and bristling percussion.

Next is “Homeostasis,” a sonic exercise in subtlety. Each element introduced sneaks up on the listener, from new drum layers to the alternating sonar tones that virtually drown out all else underneath. Conventional wisdom suggests that “Homeostasis” shouldn’t sound right. Against all odds, it does.

“Serpents Tone” concludes the EP on a simple yet suspenseful note. Spine-tingling atmospherics offset gnashing foley effects while restrained drum hits give the arrangement some semblance of order. Also included is label boss Max Gardner’s rendition, which incorporates psychedelic oscillations set to an intensifying rhythm.

In the Symbolic Function EP, Declan James contributes thought-provoking ideas to the worldwide conversation that is underground music. Peer is the perfect home for such an effort. The label’s recent release cadence promises that dance floor moments such as these will not be in short supply.

Written and Produced by Declan James
Remixes by Max Gardner and Secus
Mastering by Matt Salamone
Description by John Cameron