Bitstream - Retreat Pod

One of the most spectacular pieces of new electronica to be heard from the UK in some time, this new EP from Bitstream is absolutely unmissable. From the start it generates a hypnotic blend of lush, synth deep textures and crunchy, harsh rhythms – crossing over boundaries from UK electronica (Warp, Skam etc), European electro and the more melodic strains of Detroit. The title track is the deepest cut here, an achingly beautiful work reminiscent of much of Vangelis’s early work, with rich strings and sparse, distorted percussion playing in and out of many an analogue twist and turn. ‘Stream 2’ takes a similar theme, stripped right down to the drums and low tones, sounding this time more like Boards of Canada if anything… On the reverse, ‘The Bionic hands of DJ Daddy-Longlegs’ returns things to the dancefloor – a deadly subbass drum loop providing the setting for the man in question to go to town on his needles, in fairly stunning fashion – scratching and cutting up many a classic tune with virtuoso ability. This truly is a record no self respecting electronic musician, no matter what their personal tastes, can afford to be without.