Stephanie Sykes - Black Simulation

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  • After a promising debut alongside Fjäder on a Fullpanda split EP last year, Stephanie Sykes heads to the Istanbul/Stockholm label VENT for her first full solo release, Black Simulation. It's a captivating effort from the German-born, UK-based artist, which follows in the style of subtle, atmospheric techno, layered carefully with acoustic elements, she delivered for Dasha Rush's Fullpanda. Here, Sykes turns in three wide-ranging productions, one of which is remixed by Rush. The title track is a growling, drum-less soundscape that becomes increasingly fraught with the rise of a wispy, uneasy drone. "Creep" is the EP's highlight. It shows Sykes moving toward dance floors with a barely swung kick drum and persistent percussive tremors, while carefully dialing in wails of guitar, shrill tones and apprehensive melodies. On the flip is the 140 BPM "Hyper," which was actually produced four years ago. Hard-edged and heavy on drums, it retains the patient, spacious approach that's integral to Sykes' sound, exemplified in the long breakdown that introduces a mean squelch of acid. Rush brings the goods with her remix of "Hyper," a more straightforward and DJ-friendly cut that tacks some of the original's ethereal vibes to punchy, low-slung drums and reverberating acid riffs. It nicely tops off a record that marks the continued emergence of a new techno talent.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Black Simulation A2 Creep B1 Hyper B2 Hyper (Dasha Rush Remix)
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