- Whoever's behind the new Persephonic Sirens label knows a thing or two about funk. There was plenty of it on The First Siren, the swinging Ancient Methods EP that launched the label earlier this year. Back ten months later with Out Of Control, Persephonic Sirens lays down another four deliciously cool techno tracks that don't let industrial grit get in the way of a good groove. "Dolores Haze" (that's a reference to Lolita, not the Berlin burrito spot) has the kind of snaking electroclash-style melody you hear in Ancient Methods DJ sets and wonder, "Where did he find this?" It's strapped to a drum pattern that builds from a syncopated halftime mess to a slamming 4/4 chug, but the brief intro, which offers a few bars of a straight beat, gives nimble DJs something to work with. It's the kind of EBM-techno blend that Ancient Methods pushes, so don't be surprised if the new aliases here—Sharplines and Nathaniel—are the Berliner in disguise.
"Blood Under Nails" is another funked-up bomb with a groove that doesn't match the macabre title. Without much deviation from a straightforward technoid pulse, it's the EP's most linear tune, ticking along at an easygoing 116 BPM with shrieks and cackles. "Lolita" and "Out Of Control" increase the pressure with feedback and tough drums. There's less focus on rhythm, which means they don't reach the funky highs of the other tunes. Even so, they're bound to heat up the sets of DJs unafraid to add dirt into the mix.
TracklistA1 Sharplines - Out Of Control
A2 Nathaniel - Blood Under Nails
B1 Nathaniel - Lolita
B2 Nathaniel - Dolores Haze