Something a bit different from Merck, the debut 7-track EP from latest signing Aphilas displaying an organic, multi-layered knack with instrumental hip hop and clever samples – all softly destined for the downtempo. Opening cut ‘Lifelong Fiction’ is gorgeous – the beats skipping effortlessly around a melange of strings, flutes, clarinets, the odd mandolin and loose vocal caresses – lovely cinematic styles painted blue. “That’s Just What It’s For” and “Collective Memory Loss” are much more Machine Drum induced, complete with more cut-ups and spannered arrangements, but head for the magnificent “Dubbed Coil of Smoke” on the flip for a smokey display of tight beats and midnight sparkling Rhodes keys, slightly reminiscent of Dj Shadow’s best, but with a different set of rules at its disposal. Very limited as per usual, some copies coming on purple/grey marble effect vinyl. Lovely.
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