Bleep

The groundbreaking first EP from duo Mount Kimbie reveals their adventurous beginnings with four atmospheric experiments. Previously released by Hotflush Records in 2009, Maybes is a testimony to the progression of the early 00's dubstep sound with its head nodding decayed rhythms and disarming textures breathing spectrally outwards.

The gentle washing over of each layer exemplifies a band existing in the liminal space between live band and electronica. Airy melodies echo above soft grains of noise, dreaming of possibilities before receding again into saturation. While gently commanding detail in rhythm, stretched samples add a synapse popping buoyancy in the mechanics of production. The EP's title track opens with decayed piano chords and fluttering percussion, whispering next to warped vocals. ‘Williams’ is a warm elegy, laced intimately with familiar acoustics consumed by effects fading in and out of focus. The B side opens with the ambient drone of ‘Vertical’ before intricate percussion and alien vocals pull in, while closing track 'Taps' smuggles Herbert style studio wizardry into more familiar ground, working sampled water sounds with emotive chords progressions.

Like the work of fellow South London producer Burial or Hotflush label-head Scuba's productions around the same time, Maybes’s dubstep informed sensibilities laced with crackle conjure up the ghosts of a bygone era while simultaneously opening the minds of the next generation. As proven by their continued explorations weaving indie, post-rock, ambient and more avant-garde work into the legacy of UK dance music; the characteristics of Mount Kimbie's early work showing mournful restraint alongside their visionary approach.