- Livity Sound breaks new ground with the Bristol-based modular synth artist.
- While Livity Sound likes to throw the occasional curveball, the music usually stays within the label's remit of syncopated, dub-influenced techno. This debut from Bristol's Surgeons Girl is an exception. It begins with a two-part, seven minute beatless track with exploratory modular synth unlike anything else on the label—more Suzanne Ciani than Asusu. It's also one of the prettiest tracks on Livity Sound, unveiling a talented new artist.
After that introduction, the drums hit. Though Surgeons Girl isn't exactly making club bangers, the other tracks fit better into the Livity Puzzle: floaty house on "Rescind," a delicate pitter-patter on "Sympathetic Cycle." The latter's spirally melodies and cosmic atmosphere bring it to life. For me, the key track here is "Intimate Advance," where melody and rhythm meet halfway as the synthesizer curls around the rhythm section like vine overgrowth. It comes at Livity Sound's distinctive style from a whole new perspective, which bodes well for both the future of both label and artist.
TracklistA1 Clouded Temper I Small Steps
A2 Intimate Advance
B1 Rescind
B2 Sympathetic Cycle