- The new Rhythmic Theory record is on Blackest Ever Black sublabel A14, and true to form, its cover dons a sepia-tinted image of a serene looking woman pondering her reflection in the mirror. Flip it over and there's a quote from a book about the Isokon building in Hampstead, a favourite haunt of Bauhaus luminaries, famous writers and Soviet spies alike. While you connect the conceptual dots, Rhythmic Theory supplies the heavy gear, with a pair of stepping flexers ready to weaponise a mid-tempo set.
Rhythmic Theory has a knack for layering percussion into fat slabs—the toms on 2013's "Siren Song" being particularly lethal—and though "Forgotten Realms" is a cleaner production in comparison, the dextrous rhythms make for a highly compatible track. Dubwise stabs clear the air for tightly stacked snare and bass punches, while an affirming pad and whispers of vibraphone balance the muck with a tinge of warmer climes. Then, with no forewarning, a stark breakdown plunges the floor into near silence, allowing the momentum to rebuild from scratch in typical Rhythmic Theory fashion.
On the flip, the sinister atmosphere of "Spirits Of Duality" sounds like an ambient vignette clipped from an old darkside jungle tune. Those conspiratorial vibes sit way back in the mix, while the bass and drums handle the heavy lifting. Their syncopated shuffle recalls the grimmer offshoots of funky and garage—however, things never quite align into such readily definable categories, which is part of what gives this record its character. If you're drawn to the sound design on higher tempo strains of classic English dance music, but like to roll below 130 BPM, Rhythmic Theory has you covered.
TracklistA Forgotten Realms
B Spirits of Duality