Tobago Tracks’ first release of the 2018 takes the form of a split E.P between Bine & BFTT. Hailing from Ljubljana and Leeds respectively, both producers present two excursions into the de-quantised depths, delivering work that feels as ready to challenge audiences in the club as they are ready to stimulate listeners at home.
The first track, ‘Neizračunljiva škoda’ signals the beginning of the Bine’s chaotic vision, with feverish clicks and snares attempting to anchor the track to its swatches of noise and percussion. ‘B}{B?’ announces itself with ascending metallic tones, which are frequently dashed with more instantly recognisable, bit-crushed textures that characterise Bine’s work.
In the second half of the split, BFTT’s IOSMIDI8 - Springtide continues these sonic themes, but also presents resonant tones of reassurance and inquisitivity. Searching synths offer the listener a melody to grasp with both hands, but deviate at the last second to remain suspended in space. Final track ‘IOSMidi 5 - Birdsong’ emerges from silence into a bed of rolling destabilised highs, and warm, fluttering fx. The result is a union of illustrative textures that encircle the listener; as exigent as they are evocative.
Two years on from his phenomenal joint LP with Charlotte Adigéry, the Belgian electro-pop auteur delivers a wonderous solo debut. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 7, 2024