- Following the release of Hav Lyfe, the debut album from the producer of the same name, Sonic Router returns with another offering of miscellaneous beats. Where Hav Lyfe was experimental and often obtuse, the Hallowed EP, from Leeds beatsmith Bambooman, is anything but. Crafted from field recordings and vocals sent to him by friends, its seven tracks heavily reference Bambooman's hip-hop roots, while at times hinting at something a little more dance floor.
"Frosted" fuses slow-strutting bass hits with tightly strung synths, while "Stacks" and "Irish Moss" lurch with an even more delicate insouciance, soothing the listener with their slo-mo warmth. "Fields" is of a similar ilk, constructing a welcoming atmosphere from infectious vocal manipulation. "Skip" is more linear, its soft 4/4 pulse and tender melody sounding like a potent deep house record in the making. "Sun" is more agitated, as high-pitched strings play out over a quickfire metronome. Enigmatic duo Eckoclick offer up an inspired remix, transforming the barren original into a slice of textured dubby house. The overall winner, though, is the title track. Bambooman straps a sparse framework to a bullish lead synth, leaving a sense of anticipation over the young producer's next move.
Tracklist01. Frosted
02. Skip
03. Stacks
04. Sun
05. Irish Moss
06. Hollowed
07. Fields
08. Irish Moss (Zack Christ Remix)
09. Sun (Eckoclick Remix)