[Perc Trax]

Ekoplekz has been following a fairly unique trajectory for the past couple of years. Utilizing a collection of vintage machines including random guitar pedals, ancient synthesizers, and all manner else, his music represents largely improvised musings on the sonic capabilities of ghost hardware. The fact that he has been drafted into the ranks of Bristolian dubstep mainstays Punch Drunk is a welcome evocation of the vibrantly cross-pollinated time we’re living in. Some may see this as strange, for while his tracks are often captivating, they also mostly eschew beats, bass and traditional electronic arrangement altogether. Here though, on a four-tracker for Perc Trax, he presents some of his most accessible and enthralling work yet.

First track “Ekoplatz” builds wonderfully kooky western soundtrack atmospherics around a successive volley of dubbed-out stabs. There is a strong rhythmic pulse to this track, and the music unfurls outwardly in a more conventional arrangement than fans may be used to. All of this is good news for DJs, of course, as the sprightly percussion will see this fit neatly into all manner of sets. Turning over, “Narco Samba” is aptly named. A crisp selection of beeps and blips, hisses and static are joined by a crisply oscillated bass tone that creeps around the arrangement. Although there is no beat to speak of, the energy of the track is phenomenal. The fulsome collection of beeps and sub-industrial atmospherics ducks and weaves to admirable effect, and go to show that energy is by no means tied to conventional rhythmic devices.

The Richard H Kirk remix of “Ekoplatz” meanwhile, builds on the original with some heftier production values and a slightly meandering bass line. He also adds in some nifty bongo fills that cut through the murky mélange of sub-tropical flavors. The best, however, is final track “Xylem Teardrops” in which a mournful synth is played against a backing drone while flickering percussion echoes all around; the tension and melancholia build to stifling levels. While Ekoplekz is by no means the only producer on the scene appropriating vintage gear and different working methods, he is certainly the one who makes it sound the most fun, and on these tracks he adds a welcome functionality to his experimental sound. Highly recommended.