- Heavy usage of repetition is a tricky thing in electronic music. Done correctly, it's intoxicating. Done poorly, and things become boring. Sydenham's three-track "Natural Spray" EP belongs somewhere midway between these poles, though exactly where will differ from person to person.
On the A-side, the title track opens with growly sub-bass, creating the illusion that it's another "Trombipolution" style big-roomer. Sydenham deftly ups the pitch and morphs the low-end into a short hook, though, which repeats metronomically until the end. All that's left to carry things is percussive variation and large washes of white noise (or perhaps white, foamy spray). Both versions of "Daphne"—similar to the point of being identical—copy this technique. However, where "Natural Spray," is light and housey, they're sinister and mechanical, with insistent bell-like hooks.
Content-wise, nothing is particularly amiss, with groove-laden percussion, nice kicks and tight sound design. In the less rigorous club setting, all three are ideal, but a lack of creativity foils their long-term potential for home listening. Additionally, though it's a moot point for downloaders, vinyl buyers will be disappointed by the waste of space on the B-side.
Tracklist A Natural Spray
B1 Daphne
B2 Brooklyn Dub