OPM: Throwbacks and Special Packs

Six Umbrellas – Metropolis

A delightful collection of throwback big beat, breakbeat, electro, house and techno that effortlessly recalls the ‘90s-era breakthru of those sounds. Punchy, groovy and hooky, these tracks would slot right into a retro DJ set, a classic action-film trailer or snowboarding/pod racing/motocross game. 

Highlights include “Pain Here Pain There,” which turns the titular sample into a repetitively hypnotic hook, and the closer “Birds,” which incorporates birdsong and some manipulated voices into a tight tech house banger. (This album, and more of the artist’s work, is also available at the Free Music Archive)

(Listened to the entire album)

–

Fall Line Drive – Fall Line Drive EP

A tight and tasty EP that condenses some of the best elements of post punk/early New Wave into three songs of perfect Gen X nostalgiacore. Guitars chug, sparkle and swirl; deep and muscular basslines carry the songs forward; and a deep, melodic voice that falls somewhere between Peter Murphy (Bauhaus), Steve Kilbey (the Church) and Phil Oakey (Human League) tops it all off. 

And make no mistake: that makes for some really wonderful and authentic post punk brooders. You don’t have to be middle aged to enjoy it, either – this sound is actually pretty hot at the moment if Sirius XMU is any sort of indicator. (You can find more info, the full EP and some sweet trading cards at the band’s dedicated site.)

(Listened to the entire EP)

–

Francois Dion – OPM

Three electronic tracks that encompass a curious IDM/downtempo/house hybrid, quirky electro, and woozy tech house. The tracks were selected from several releases and compiled just for this blog’s readers, a first! Together they represent an artist whose taste and ambitions can’t be constrained by a single genre or style, despite a shared aesthetic and approach. 

It kicks off with that unusual downtempo/IDM/house hybrid – the basic rhythm is house, or maybe techno, but the percussion and sound design tilt toward IDM and the overall vibe is very downtempo. The remaining two tracks are Jamuary entries that don’t do quite as much but still manage to carve out some interesting territory. And if any of these speak to you, there’s plenty more where they came from!

(Listened to the entire EP)

–

Fractala – “Hypnosis”

An epic slow burn of a track – dark,  dramatic and cinematic, reminiscent of Trent Reznor’s film scoring work. It probably would have fit onto any of the post ‘90s NIN albums just as well. That’s not to say it’s industrial, despite some shared DNA – it’s a little too clean and not nearly angry enough. 

The sound programming is solid, especially the bass tone, which is exquisite. The beat and melody are both minimal but extremely effective, and the accompanying visuals are trippy and mesmeric. My only complaint? I wish there was more of it! (You can find the track for purchase/download here.)

–

Psionic Haze – Psionic Haze EP

Hard hitting, epic metal with suitably over the top lyrical subject matter. Because, look, if you’re going to record a song called “Godeater,” it better sound like you are storming the gates of heaven via guitar riffs – and it does! These guitars scream, cry and sing, delivering furious thrash riffs and searing solos with equal aplomb. 

Underneath it, a chunky rhythm section holds it down with some fierce drumming and meaty bass work, and it’s topped off with a powerful vocalist who can deliver the goods. For true believers of metal only? Maybe, but they deserve nice things, and this is quite nice.

(Listened to the entire EP)