Bleep

Rob McAndrews’ first proper release as Airhead since 2018 signals a change of pace, as he trades heavy kicks for delicate raindrop rhythms on Lightness. Drum and bass is filtered through crisp air, stripped of its usual heaviness in favour of free and feathery dance propulsions, immediately clear on the crystalline crush of ‘Break In’ where microchip beats fly and twist above whistling synths and a grounding bass wobble. This is an EP both sugary and serene, with skittering breakbeats, skilful sound design and treble-centred vocal clips, and the Nico Muhly assisted ‘Unbearable Lightness’ where strings float on helium.