Tommy Tempa ‘The Quixotic EP’

Tommy Tempa / The Quixotic EP

Digital

Somethinksounds / Released May 23rd 2011

 

What does it sound like?

Little else, in the vein of Bullion and other electronic experimentalists we’re presented with seven intertwined tracks over twenty-something minutes, each seeming to explore a different area of sound rooted, though not based, in dance’s rhythms. Percussive prowess gets showcased in the xylophones of Fragments, a jazzy number that opens the EP. Off-tempo breakbeats carry Rejoin Rejoice, the next track in, whereas Micro Ballistics sounds like you’re listening to Daft Punk warming up through a bass-challenged wireless radio. The other four offerings follow in similarly bizarre style.

Where would I dance to it?

A rave inside a C.S. Lewis novel, or perhaps more appropriately something by Philip K. Dick. At once it’s a fantasy soundtrack and futurist concept release, with overriding hallucinogenic qualities.

What highlights can I expect to hear?

The first tune you’re most likely to hear out would have to be Light Medium, though don’t expect any obvious clubbiness, as it takes some time to reveal its true intentions. A warbling low end and building kick drums nod to the dancefloor, but stretched strings, and warm harmonies keep everything well away from most nocturnal genres. Cue a choir-sung harmony layered over mumbled male vocals and you start to realise why people like Gilles Peterson are fans of Mr Tempa. As is the case with Now or Never, a glitchy, staccato funk affair that’s halfway to Pangaea’s alt-dubstep, but comes complete with a hip-hop tempo. Closing track Roma‘s not bad either, referencing the huge baritone dominated electronica of Bibio to leave you feeling fuzzy inside.

Why should I pay for it?

Because it’s pretty special.

Where can I buy it?

Somethinksounds @ Bandcamp, JunoBoomkat.


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