- It was always going to be a challenge for Neil McDonald to keep up with the standard he set himself on his panoramic house EP for Permanent Vacation earlier this year. But even armed with two (comparatively) paltry tracks, he still lands some hefty blows on his return to Phonica.
"Greane" sets out with frantic rat-a-tat percussion and machine-gun toms, but this intensity is swiftly offset by elegant analogue synth phrases and minor key melodies that steer the mood in a more affecting direction. There's something of Mogwai's soundtrack to creepy French drama series The Returned to the opening bars of "Gigha"—sweeping digital cellos mark out a mournful refrain, bright synth strings provide a counterpoint. They weave in out of the remainder, accompanied by whispering hi-hats, shakers and the softest of acid burbles, layered on top like fine filo pastry. This is emotional, intricately crafted music from a producer with a deft touch.
TracklistA1 Greane
B1 Gigha