- Since debuting his Lumigraph project in 2012, Irish producer Gareth Smyth has gradually moved from gritty experiments in house and techno towards more clear-headed fare. But after a two-year hiatus, the latest Lumigraph record juggles both modes to intriguing effect, excitedly jumping in and out of various states of revelry.
From noise and distorted beats to gelatinous pads and swells of low-end, the overarching themes here are elasticity and buoyancy. Smyth arranges it all best in "The Power Broker," with its otherworldly garage swagger, and "Garbage 4 Garbage," a strange kind of industrial house track that punches and swerves like a boxing robot. "Spectacular Times" takes an even more destructive approach to its bastardized techno, the frantic beats of which are powerful if a bit too ungainly for the club. A more manageable, dance-friendly version of that sound begins the title track, before Smyth tosses stuttering kicks, smears of FX and chunky synth stabs into the mix. After a rough transition, "Bulletproof Holiday" finds solid ground for a spell, and then moves again to another unfamiliar arrangement. Those quick changes can be exciting at first, but more often than not Smyth is at his best sticking to one space.
TracklistA1 The Power Broker
A2 Garbage 4 Garbage
B1 Spectacular Times
B2 Bulletproof Holiday