Following on from his debut release on Actress’ Werkdiscs label, the UK’s Moiré has rightly been seized upon for Rush Hour’s essential and and ever-current discography. In the kaleidoscopic layers of this head-shrinking trio of swung, gritty techno, Rolx certainly seems to share something with the UK producer’s namesake — the rippled textures that emerge from the overlay of grid patterns or waves. Moiré’s instinctively urgent sequencing, micro-rhythmic obsession and control of an intoxicating array of denatured samples makes this EP a powerfully introspective investigation into a fascinating tension between arm-waving euphoria and dilapidated, computer-dubbed techno.
In “I Don’t Get It” an uncomfortably swiveling metal spine of digitally repeating noise winds itself against the drums. We only hear a vague mark of melody in this gear-shifting effect, burrowing amongst the mass of syncopated hi-hat hiss, blotter bass, and cold space. Hollowed out, vocoded vowels add a cyborg-like reminiscence of distant humanity. As the slight, nudging movement of the bass at one point subtly shifts the track into a more satisfying shape, you are reminded that “drops” can take the shape of realignments rather than sudden entrances and create drama more powerful due to the challenge of experiencing it. “Rolx” brings in rave stabs so worn and debased they resemble tiny, tinny pizzicato hits of bass, while starry string washes and finger snaps reminiscent of Bizarre Inc disguise the more difficult elements of the track. In an engaging and disconcerting contrast, sections of rhythm skid around a magnetic throb of bass while others are continuously becoming unstuck and reattaching themselves, like strands of chewing gum in a sweaty, clenching fist. “Real Special” is, again, weirdly warm, with a motorized, dubby synth pulse chewing up and reformatting behind choppy warehouse beats and globular saliva cords of bass that occasionally string glutinously between parts. The influence of Actress is very palpable, but that doesn’t take anything away from the strength of this record.
