FRCTLS, aka Andrea Viscardi, wants to create a sonic atmosphere within his new EP, ‘Encore’. An invitation to explore catchy melodies, broken beats, and consistently strong bass – this EP gives me insight into the familiar tension of wanting contact but seeking escape as soon as I’m close enough to reach it. Each track presents the listener with patterns that subtly build upon themselves; these smaller scales inch forward, reaching a cathartic climax, and reward us for sticking to the mood of the space they’ve encompassed.
“Encore“, the title track, captivates with how quickly it puts you on a journey. The arp synth glistens. Then, soft vocals suddenly place you into a loop. With a focus on the drums, you could easily allow yourself to become lost within the walls of sound. The harmonies take over, and this rich environment comes to a moment of stillness. What do you do when you finally have the space to ponder over the emotions you’ve been avoiding?
“Left Home” is the intimate center of this EP; the textures are constantly being accumulated to create intricate layers. The touches of piano guide you along, providing reassurance within newness. I often find that when I’m ready to face the thoughts I have avoided, the speed and intensity overwhelms until I know what it is I have to do. With “Left Home“, by the time the crescendo happens, I have gone through all the motions, and can breathe.
“Right Gut“ (ft. Giorgia-May) brings the UK-garage influence to the forefront – this track is the blind first step you take as you look to the future, hopeful, despite not knowing what’s to come. The electronic dashing of sounds over the drums (reminiscent of Fred again and Overmono) is masterful and keeps me placed in the center. The lyrics, emphasized with echoes, invite me to close my eyes, and look at the journey rather than the destination. Some really lovely glitchy distortion, and then just solo drum sounds, let the EP come to a halt feeling complete.
Ambient techno has definitely carved its space as an exciting sub-genre recently, and artists like FRCTLS are ones to watch.