[Minimise]

Donnacha Costello is always a hard man to pin down. He seems impervious to trends, instead often focusing on productions that pose subtle conceptual questions. His 6 X 6 = 36 series, for example, felt like it exploried the relation of dance music’s comparatively formal beat structure to abstract systems. His “Color” series, on the other hand, could well be viewed as a meditation on the special relationship between electronic music and synesthesia. The absence of meaningful lyrics in most dance music can cause the listener to let the association of notes and colors really run wild, and the “Color” series was an outstanding opportunity to do just that. Although his latest EP, “It Simply Is,” doesn’t contain the same sort of exhortation to a particular intellectual question, it seems the title Costello chose helps point us to just what his songs mean.

It’s apparent only a few measures into “It Simply Is” that Costello has made a track about something, rather than a track that does something for you (or to you) on the dance floor. Without a kick drum, there is little emphasis on beats. Instead, Costello’s beautifully ascending and oscillating melody speaks of subtlety, grace, and a melting away of everyday worries. “It Simply Is” could be taken as encouragement towards peace, a manifesto of relaxation, or a description of a moment of unfettered tranquility; all of these narratives emerge from Costello’s five and a half minutes of bliss. The title guides us to the conclusion we shouldn’t work too hard at guessing which of these sentiments Costello is driving at, but rather let them all wash over us, and, for a moment, simply be.

“Trust” is more conventionally dance floor-oriented, and all in all seems like a slightly longer and more complicated version of the A side. Which, I suppose, is a fair reflection of what it’s like to extend the feeling of inner tranquility that “It Simply Is” suggests towards others. Whether this way of looking at Costello’s latest seems right to you or not, I hope you’ll agree this emotive, personal music engages the listener’s personality in a meaningful way at the same time as it provides more corporeal rewards through its gorgeous, honest melodies.