• Minimal arrangements
• Particular emphasis on melody and sound-selection
• Profound and intense without an intricate set-up
It has been on my checklist for a while to discuss about the reputed imprint of Afterlife for a few months now. As I traverse more into melodic soundscapes of Techno, the said collective has fascinated me more times than I can count. Last month (yes, unfortunately I discovered later than usual), a three song compilation titled “Walls” from a talented Tone Depth. The contents are moody and dark to a satisfying degree, donning a sombre tonality without scarcity of the propulsion to move forward and present an ever-changing backdrop.
There’s lot to be said about the record publishing insignia founded by the Italian luminary duo Tale Of Us. If you are interested in finding a junction that abridges unconventional and analogue-heavy electronic music, then Afterlife serves as that perfect niche. They have impacted Techno/House genres to extents that their signature has become a modern inspiration to both uprising and established creators alike. Boasting an expanding roster of significant performers such as Mathame, KAS:ST, Agents Of Time, ARTBAT and more. Aforementioned brand has continuously proved itself as a smorgasbord of underground Dance music. While my plans were originally to talk about their recent Unity (part II) get-together album, the lengthy albeit promising assortment has plenty of worth-notable productions to press repeat on.
Defining the primary signature employed by Tone Depth would require more than a profuse description, but he operates on minimalism and organic components. Say a raw and live performance, which has more the expectancy to be stuck in one’s head and not with intricate and complicated set-ups. This modus operandi befits Afterlife, a huge proponent to this sort of approach. Heading to this discography, expect the tracks narrating on bare minimum schematics with a greater emphasis on sweeping and atmospheric ensemble.
On its commence, the EP greets warmly with a vocal track of the same title and features the singer GROJ. A plucky saw synth starts the show, combining with an upbeat groove and washed out percussion. The melody opts to be simple here with clever manipulations on effects end, arpeggiating at a fast pace to sustain the flow. In the second break however, just as a calm and dreamy scenario is set with the help of the charming voice, a sweeping pad materializes as if to set in motion a comeuppance. Following this splendid opener is “Nero”, which has a more subtle and spaced out hook and offbeat low-end to create a feeling of ascending. It somehow magically captures attention with this sole attribute, intensifying in the mid-segment with abstract strings and pads. However, the most memorable instrumental for me is the concluding “Terra”, which grounds its position firmly with delicate drums and the main highlight, the emotional cadence. Ethereal and shape-shifting, it struts with a haphazard yet methodical and enchanting pattern.
To sum up in brevity, the forenamed Canadian act has conjured a delectable series of work in this EP. Whether you are readying for a long-night drive or want to rejuvenate with a hazy and elegant experience, “Walls” is perhaps just the pleasing and heartfelt companion you’re seeking for.
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