- A new label by Milo Smee (AKA Bintus) and Thomas Franklin, Inversions has launched with an eclectic five-track compilation. "Bring The Hiss (Version)," by Cavern Of Anti-Matter, starts with a synth line like a frantic polygraph needle. The focused rhythm and organic drum textures bring to mind Nisennenmondai and Elektro Guzzi, even moreso when the song switches to an acoustic drum kit and brings in some wailing guitar. From then on, Inversions 001 pulls back the mask it's been wearing—this is a rock record, more or less, gilded with electronics.
Booze's "5 Minute Break" sounds like a hardcore band's rehearsal sabotaged by unhinged organ notes. The rest of the EP is more sincere but no less fun in its disjointed presentation of Smee and Franklin's taste for '70s and '80s fusion. Fupper's "I'm Fine Little Man" is bluesy psych-rock with gentle shakers and hand drums. There's a campfire intimacy to the song, helped by Simon Hughes' vocal arcs, making it one of the EP's most likeable contributions. As Clean & Jerk, Smee and Franklin nod to synth pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre. On their synth-led rock-funk jam, "Silhouette Du Barry," angular guitar licks whip against atmospheric swells.
The idea of a techno label—Power Vacuum is Inversions' parent label—fostering something as rock-centric as Inversions 001 is a bit of a laugh. The spacey drone-metal of Apothéose De La Trahison's "Escape To The Black Cloud" unspools in horizon-spanning distortion, huge cymbal splashes and snare rolls. But its epic gestures are enjoyable because, unlike some of the music Inversions 001 references, they don't take themselves too seriously.
TracklistA1 Cavern Of Anti-Matter - Bring The Hiss (Version)
A2 Booze - 5 Minute Break
B1 Fupper - I'm Fine Little Man
B2 Clean & Jerk - Silhouette Du Barry
B3 Apothéose De La Trahison - Escape To The Black Cloud