Brothomstates - Kobn-Tich-Ey

In an IRC interview from around when this was released, Lassi Nikko said he was done with trackers for the time. This EP, then, is a shift from the masterful Screamtracker and Fasttracker modules of his Dune years. Instead of clever samples and advanced tracker tricks are sparse soundscapes with gloomy synth pads drenched in delay and reverb. Only his trademark filtered and distorted drums are retained.

I've heard this criticized as derivative of Aphex Twin's "ambient" material. While that's not inaccurate I think it misses the point. There's a distinct mood and aesthetic. While the tracks easily settle into the background, a close listen reveals attention to detail very atypical of a free web release. The only glaring flaw is the jarring introduction of "Mr. Y".

Another reviewer described the first track as "good but not very special" and I think this is a fair description of the whole release. However, I think it is special, because I have never heard anything quite like it, and it's not for lack of seeking.

Interesting first release from a talanted musician. First track "Itch" is good but not very special, reminiscent of Autechre from the later 90's. It is with the melodic masterpiece "Dekc" that Lassi Nikko's genius becomes apparant. It starts off with a beautiful melody trickling down your spine for 2 minute with a subtle 80's sounding synth embellishing the main melodic theme. Then the theme shifts and the drums kick in with a standard-sounding hard IDM-beat, suitable for the track. With 2 minutes of the track remaining, the synth takes the lead and makes you forget about everything else while the drums comes to an end. The track leaves you unsatisfied, craving more of that otherwordly melodic art. I wouldn't mind if "Dekc" was 20 minutes long with a slow build, going deeper into that other world that you get a glimpse of while sinking into those melodies. Unfortunately, none of the other tracks will caress your ears as "Dekc". "Whind" is very beautiful, I think it is too short with a lot of unrealized potential. The 3 last tracks are longer, more sparse and analougue-sounding. Great music. Could use a proper mastering, definatly excusable since this is self-released.