Bleep

Osaka’s Aoki Takamasa returns with a follow-up to 2009’s 'Rn-Rhythm-Variations' EP and more of his bass-heavy glitch music. If that makes it sound like you're in for an austere listen then fear not. 'RV8' is lively. It's more accessible than his previous work, which isn't a bad thing. The moments where Takamasa reins in his experimentalism are made up for with colourful and lush pop fervour - as on 'Rhythm Variation 02', which skips with a clever, darting groove. 'Rhythm Variation 06' is a practically conventional exploration of house music, with its luscious pads and steady 4/4 gait.

'RV8' does plenty of challenging work too though. 'Rhythm Variation 03' stumbles oddly, crackling electronics subsuming samples of animal noises. 'Rhythm Variation 04' is hyped up, twitchy dance music of the best kind, angular and with a real physical pull. It's catchy, but it's also wonderfully strange. The same can be said of 'Rhythm Variation 07', snipped breathy vocal samples and a metallic riff disrupting its rolling beat. On 'Rhythm Variation 08' Takamasa takes his off-kilter approach to hip hop, cavernous beats and sparking electricity coming together thrillingly.

All in all, 'RV8' is a weird and colourful treat. Those unaware of Aoki Takamasa's work will find it a good way to get acquainted, and for those already fans there's plenty on offer too. A well-rounded journey into the lively and intricate universe of this one-of-a-kind producer.