Encapsulating the artistic process of experimenting with sound, doing so with an impressive balance of passion and intricate skill, US producer Sycklecell unites atmospheric binaural comfort with euphoric drum and bass, for a three-track EP that’s fearless in its conceptual focus.
Emerging under the title SKIN//FORM, this project aims to explore the connection between the mind and the physical attributes of the being. We begin with Paper Skin, the start of this story and journey – the fragility and the beating heart underneath, carefully represented by a pristine and powerful arrangement of audio layers.
As the audio craftsman, Sycklecell highlights a clear ability and attention to detail, blending the ambient warmth of the meditative, binaural synths and tones, with the relentless pace and presence of the drums. Weave in a few additional fragments of rhythm and other-worldly notes, and Paper Skin takes its listeners through an evolution of sound that’s subtle yet striking in its originality and depth.
Next we move into Hardened Skin, and already the unique industrial-meets-ambient nature of the style is recognisable as Sycklecell. However, this second track is entirely its own beast, and for me, it conjures up a kind of chaotic tribal drum party vibe, with those deeply contemplative waves of ambient binaural sound forever washing through the mix. You can choose where to sit your mind, or let the completed arrangement wholly envelop you – an energising or profoundly calming experience, that increasingly prompts the mind to wander and the body to fall into the groove.
Finally, completing our transition through healing back to the inevitable state of pain, Broken Skin is fascinating – retro tones create an old-school gritty vibe, which raises the intensity almost to the point of discomfort, as the anticipation grows. It’s an unsettling, unignorable listen, again in keeping with the core stylistic elements of the EP, but artistically capturing a bold sense of something unravelling or approaching breaking point at an unstoppable pace.
Genre-wise what you’ll find here is experimental drum and bass and jungle, on paper at least. When you let the headphones or speakers do their jobs though, the music consumes you, offers many moments of intricate detail and expression, whilst providing a significant wave of meditative beauty and stillness that’s intoxicating. Take the hard-dance vibe and raise the mood, or zone in on the softness surrounding it – there’s a world of audio precision and intention to witness.
The trick is to provide a unique and impressive project that’s suitable for any number of situations – the solo venture, the trip, the rave, the gritty final moments at the end of the night – and amongst other clear qualities, Sycklecell has that mastered.
EP Out November 21st. Find SYCKLECELL on YouTube & Instagram.
