Bleep

One of several aliases for the output of Martin Jenkins, Pye Corner Audio specialises in a distinct brand of darkly cinematic, downtempo electronics. Having built up something of a cult following over the last decade in which he has been actively releasing, he's also turned his hand to remixing for Scottish luminaries Mogwai among several others.

Black Mill Tapes Vol.5 continues to demonstrate Jenkins ability to nail that elusive sweet spot between soundtrack-worthy sonic narrative and discerning dancefloor simplicity. Tracks like ‘Exhumed’ and ‘Electronic Rhythm Number Thirteen’ are a kind of ultra slo-mo balearic house, built around thick enveloping basslines with misty atmospheric layers calmly introduced as they trudge forward. There’s plenty of rich dark ambience too, on tracks such as ‘Became Self Aware’ and ‘Theme Number Five’. Both sound like they’re soundtracking something very poignant - either the redemptive end scene of a seventies slasher or a floating through space in a Soviet vessel, such is the worn, textural warmth of the synths used.

‘Arlonica’ is the EP’s most straightforward moment - a softly meandering house number with plenty of spring reverb and dub fx, built around a circular synth melody in perpetual motion. ‘Theme Number Sixty Eight’ closes out the affair with some layered, wistful analogue melodic interplay which drifts off like a billowing smokestack.

All in all, seven top tier tracks from an artist who has crafted his own cinematic microcosm.