An artist in the truest sense of the word, Andrew Bayer has let his creativity loose on his 'Distractions EP'. The result? Possibly the most unique, ambitious and ultimately arresting on Anjunadeep EP to date.
The pre-cursor to his debut artist album, the 'Distractions EP' sees the American producer recasting the mould for uplifting electronic music and reaching out to influences across avant-garde electronica, melodic techno, classic progressive and film music.
An evolving 30-minute journey that is divided into four separate 'movements', 'Distractions' is intended to be enjoyed continuously -- taking listeners on a voyage through the pressure -building, electronic waves of the first movement through the melodic crescendos of the second and third, before gliding into the hazy, muted euphoria of the glitch ridden conclusion.
Opening on the bubbling, symphonic acid builds and gorgeously nagging deep house bassline of 'Movement 1', Bayer shows that the realms of the club and the conceptual need not be mutually exclusive by balancing mournful, orchestral moments with the hypnotic groove.
Featured on James Grant's 'Anjunadeep 03' CD, 'Movement 2' is a melodic techno groover that gently amps up the pressure with intricate percussive flourishes and reflective melodic refrains, while the climatic 'Movement 3' then takes us on nine-minute trip through Bayer's private psychedelic reel -- an unraveling, multi-textured techno epic.
Eschewing the dancefloor in favour of a more introspective vibe, the glitchy uplifting electronica of 'Movement 4' recalls classic BT and Boards Of Canada but equally sits side by side with modern electronica artist like Gold Panda, Flying Lotus and Matthew Dear.
No matter how overpowering individually, though, each 'Movement', combines to make a whole that is far greater than the sum of its parts. A complete circle, a journey through sound, but most importantly an introduction proper to Andrew Bayer the solo artist.
A superb debut and only a hint of what's to come from this talented producer.
