- "Thoughtful" might be the last descriptor a producer wants ascribed to their music—but it's strangely apt when discussing Jitterbug's latest EP, Arcane Theory. It's not a knock and it's not a platitude. Arcane Theory is a compact three-tracker that strays in and around many conventional house-isms but manages a depth and ingenuity in sound that is purely his own. And it's a result of diligence and patience as much as anything else: It's Jitterbug's first release in over a year and only his third release ever. The result is what you would expect from such a slow-brewing producer: exceptionally fine-grained house with every kick, synth and snare shaped to a tee.
Strangely, one of the closest referents might be Vangelis. Both producers crouch behind emotive synth-work that's highly expansive and visual. While Jitterbug is a little less panoramic in his vision (it is dance music, after all), he's on to the same ultra-landscaped energy and spatial elegance, every sound loaded with gobs of texture. Case in point: the highlight "Fallout," a flanged-out lounge groove that, in a more creative and sensual universe, would be the ultimate convenience store track. A tireless loop of phased synth lines that sounds as good front-and-center as it does in the background. Next time Jitterbug takes this long, let's hope he comes back with a soundtrack.
Tracklist A1 Rise of the Machines
A2 Fallout
B Nomads