ALBUM OF THE WEEK
From the outset, it doesn’t take long for the full gravity ofWaterto take effect. As the title suggests, waves of synths crash while spectral harmonies serve to glide beneath a shadowy, celestial terrain. The contrast between Willow Beats’ two halves sees a solid continuation of their identifiable dubbed beat roots tampered with a futuristic instrumental approach.
Opening track ‘Merewif’ is an instant EP highlight. An entrancing pattern of tribal rhythms, glitchy bass and silky ripples of seawater marry together smoothly as the resonant vocals lure you far into the ocean’s depths.
‘Guardian’ treads lightly before ushering itself out with ghostly pitch-shifted vocals. It’s host to a brilliant visual interpretation of underwater lullabies, slow-drip puddles and aquatic textures. At the same time, it imitates the sensation of floating in water and of calming nature in slow motion. ‘Airships’ emits a dark wobble of bass, sprinkled with an abundance of extra-terrestrial sounds. Chopped vocals and clipped synths evoke galactic dreamscapes as skittish, hyperactive beats surge below.
Water excels because it is a vision. The subtle rise-and-fall movement throughout the EP is impressive. It’s delicate and sensual, but with strength and balance strung underneath.
4.5/5.
