son.sine - Upekah

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  • It's funny how music can take on a mythical status by virtue of its scarcity. Not that Upekah doesn't deserve the attention. Originally released in 2000 on the short-lived Nurture label, it was the only record to come from Leyton Glen's son.sine alias (two self-released demos arrived ten years later). Finally receiving a reissue courtesy of Delsin, Upekah is one of those magical EPs that sounds every bit as relevant a decade later. That's primarily because there's nothing fashionable about it. As with the best Smallville material, the EP has a timeless and slightly classicist quality. Rooted in the dubbier end of techno, "Upekah" has the crackly ambiance of a Farben tune, but its sonorous bass notes and pointed synths make more use of the midrange. Melodic elements drift like glaciers in a backdrop marked by tasteful piano work. The whole thing unfolds more like ambient than techno. "Karuna" glides with a Basic Channel-inspired patience, methodically dropping its decayed chords over a silty drum beat. Returning to the panoramic perspective of the A-side, "Mudita" feels both huge and withdrawn, contrasting its minimalist rhythm with yawning melodies. Like standing over a vast rolling landscape, Upekah has the unique quality of something grand in scale that feels intimate at the same time.
  • Tracklist
      A son.sine - upekah B1 son.sine - karuna B2 son.sine - mudita
RA