- Themes of artificial intelligence, usurped humanity and gender politics are all bubbling beneath the surface of Serena Butler's debut EP for Eerie, Gynoids Dryads Swim Alone. On the artwork, a group of hip, young ones collectively stare from inside their black niqabs. It's a striking image that's both ambiguous and provocative, setting a tone for music that's serene and pastel on the outside with something more rousing at its core.
This is most pronounced on "Oto." It's powered by a submerged 4/4 pulse and looped chimes, as the word "replicants" repeats over the top. Later, another Blade Runner sample cuts in and continues the repetition, until a chime hit breaks the trance. It's easy to lose yourself in Gynoid Dryads Swim Alone. The glistening reverie of "Gynoids" or downy chug of "Bhells" is quite tranquil, and "You Have Penetrated Me" is the most winsome of the lot, with its catchy synth arpeggios and sci-fi blips. For all its soothing seduction, however, Gynoids wants to inspire action and movement.
TracklistA1 You Have Penetrated Me
A2 Oto
B1 Gynoids
B2 Bhells