MOAB DEP - ART OF HEART EP [HEAR THE ART RECORDS] VINYL REVIEW
This EP pays a nice ode to the creative expression that Hear the Art Records aims at. The label places an emphasis on open minded and thought-provoking themes and this EP rings true the labels notion that really ‘everything is permitted…’. A warm welcome for MOAB DEP into the creative landscape that is Hear the Art Records and some excellent foreshadowing for the following EP’s that are to come from this project.
OVERVIEW
(A1) Down The Rabbit Hole
The A side of this EP is punchy with quirky and often erratic synth lines that exhibit a contemporary take on a more classic electro structure. Well timed break downs in the song provide just enough relief to avoid any monotony before the snappy kick and snare combo are re-injected back to full effect. A nice segue song for switching between genres or leading the crowd down a rabbit hole of your own choosing, as the song title may indeed be suggesting…
(B1) Today’s Special
This pleasant and refreshing B side only goes to prove the diversity of MOAB DEP. It offers a quirky juxtaposition to the more driving energy of the A side. A long introduction slowly breaks its way into a more classic 4/4 house structure with midi soundscapes that meander into something more drifting and thoughtful. The song builds a new energy as the open hi hats burst through in the latter parts, complimenting the ready addition of a warm bassline that underlays the existing rounded kicks. Nice for gently moving forward or equally, just taking a breather.
EXTENDED REVIEW
A Side: Down the Rabbit Hole
This track exhibits elements of both order and chaos in a pleasant unity. This one is nice track for those DJ’s wishing to maintain energy whilst also opening a door to some more warped and contorted sounds that often characterise those ever-fleeting moments of immersion and release in a club environment. The distinctively electronic drums keep the snappy electro punch of the track as an integral characteristic and also provide a well-spaced foundation for the lead synth lines to elasticate themselves between. As a whole, the track embodies a sense of forward, robust motion but also grants a sense of relief with sporadic, syncopated blips that would work well with even the most rudimentary club lighting systems. At times it feels as though you are waiting for a mean old bassline to burst through this neatly arranged track, but instead, we are greeted with steadily increasing, yet erratic, synth patterns that build into full and energetic motion as the power of song comes to fruition in the second half. A modern take on a more classic electro sound, it’s a yes from us.
B Side: Today’s Special
The second track in this EP provides a complimentary warmth and a welcome feeling of relief compared with the energy of its twin on the flip side. A great song for playing your way into sunset or sunrise. The listener will certainly embellish a sense of fond nostalgia as the lead melody sings its way into warming kicks that give this track a gentle yet stimulating essence. With its long introduction it could also work very nicely as a set opener, the staccato lead synth is underlaid with gentle minor chords that warm the ears and provide a friendly foundation for any set. Gradually building a groove as the song progresses, one finds themselves pleasantly and thoughtfully immersed as the track fills all EQ ranges in its second half. A great B side that complements the more dance ready predecessor on the A side.
As intended, this EP definitely tells a story. MOAB DEP has sat on this release for a long time (13 years to be precise) and rightly so because it’s worth the wait. With carefully curated midi soundscapes this is handy EP for early, peak and even closing sets. We knew great things would be coming and our expectations have only been superseded.
Check out more from the Heart of Art label here: