James Shinra - Surface EP (Analogue Force)

 

Title: Surface EP 

Artist: James Shinra

Label: Analogical Force

Cat Number: AF044

Genre: Techno

1: Miluv

2: Circular

3: Ekko

4: Surface

James Shinra has one of the most distinctive electro voices, blending beats with emotive synth melodies to create arrangements that can sometimes seem generically at odds with themselves. This is evident in ‘Miluv’, which combines trance and electro to great effect. ‘Circular’ is a rolling builder that reminds me of the production of James Holden. Synth stabs and choral remnants combine with heightening drama over an ominous low end to take the listener on a wild flight of fancy. The feel is not new, but the combinations are unique and uplifting. ‘Ekko’ feels like a hypothetical electro ‘Air Frog’, the cherries on top being the echoing acidic touches and strategically used piano.  ‘Surface’ leads in slowly and is the most understated tune here, breakbeats being given equal weight and picking up the slack on top of an underlying analogue warmth. Fab this.