Ripper by Avernian
Joining the NHS team is Manchester’s own Avernian, whose presence amongst many other contemporary electronic music producers has shone brightly through a slew of releases on Daniel Haaksman’s Man Recordings, Scuffed Records, Row & Circular Jaw; a refined synergy of worldly instrumentation and modern mechanical sounds characterized by oblique rhythm structures defines his works. His foray into the NHS realm comes in the form of ‘Ripper’ – a battle-ready EP that encompasses the stages of conflict through rolling drum work and thunderous atmospheres.
We are called into battle with the title track ‘Ripper’ whose namesake suggests a sense of tearing and viciousness. Commencing with the ominous gong that swims through the emptiness at the beginning of the piece, we are immediately crushed by the monstrous kick drum sequence that dominates the mix of delicate distortion on the hats and mid frequency African percussion guiding it forward.
Following on is ‘Tornado’ taking a much more-fuller, bolder approach to the quality of the soundscape. Still carrying the same focus on rhythm primarily, Tornado chugs along as the 4x4 kick pattern carries the polyrhythmic force into the eye of the storm. Double time tabla keep the furious pace spinning around the outside of the intricate structure of this anarchic clash personified.
Taking the relentlessness of Tornado, Glacial Industries affiliate ELLLL expels the track into the nothingness of space with an exercise in low-end mastery. A distinct lack of high-end sounds, complex, rumbling sub bass hooks and its hammering rhythm help create the haunting mood on her reinterpretation of Tornado, an ideal soundtrack to the aftermath of the devastating storm.
Our last stand is not one that we take on alone; Avernian is joined by Cressida on ‘Canary’. Breathy risers maximise the forcefulness of the rhythmic madness on Canary. Rough, distorted smashes and crashes, much like that of the metal of swords and shields engaged in conflict, maintain the constant energy of the ensuing struggle. A powerful conclusion to the EP, though the war carries on.
Tracklist
| 1. | Ripper | 4:47 |
| 2. | Tornado | 4:06 |
| 3. | Tornado (ELLLL Remix) | 5:45 |
| 4. | Canary (feat. Cressida) | 4:40 |
Credits
Artwork by Benfika
Mastering by Doug Shearer
