IMOGEN - What?

  • Fast, techno-infused electro from a rising star rapidly coming into her own.
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  • IMOGEN has worked with artists like Ben Pest, PAAL and TripSixVivo, and released her own music on compilations for Earwiggle, enough work to establish her as a compelling and eclectic electro producer unafraid to incorporate other genres like grime, techno or breaks. But, somehow, What? is her first-ever solo release. On this five-track EP for PAAL's label Voitax, IMOGEN shows off a spiky sound with a distinctly punk flavour. The anarchist vibe is real on "Up To No Good," where IMOGEN samples a nonchalant vocal from late '70s punk band X-Ray Spex. She chops up the screechiest part, layering it between crisp percussion and an electro-inspired melody—a huge track that matches the fuck-the-system energy of X-Ray Spex’s original. "Running" leans more towards straight-up techno, with blaring sirens and pacy drums, while "Look What You Made Me Do" follows a futuristic electro muse, with an elastic bassline and an acidic, Woody McBride-style synthline. The slow-burning chugger "Beneath" feels more suited to a séance than a rave, thanks to its chilling mood and whispered vocals—though its overdriven acid leads are still fierce—and the feverish stomper "Granular Tears" has delicate chords that add a softer cushion. A lot of the references on What are en vogue these days—hardcore techno, acid, breaks—but IMOGEN makes them her own with her irresistible and undeniable punk spirit.
  • Tracklist
      01. Up To No Good 02. Running 03. Beneath 04. Look What You Made Me Do 05. Granular Tears
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