The Breakdown
Dutch producer Erik Buschmann shares the euphoric and intricate new EP ‘A Bitter Mess’. Having already built a growing hype following support across BBC Radio 6 and Spotify editorial playlists, the instrumental electronic artist displays his full potential across the new 6 track release.
Opening with ‘Sedate Me’, Erik wastes no time introducing some danceable, crunchy beats and swelling analogue synths sounds, surrounded by a wash of atmospherics. A gradual builder which moves between is moments of subtle etherialism and euphoric melodies, the track grows throughout before bursting into a distorted, glitching mid section as the bass growls and a siren-esque lead explode into life.
Showcasing his ability to interweave beautifully selected synth sounds and melodies, the track showcases Erik’s ear for beautiful note selection and pinpoint, excellently crafted production. Akin to the likes of Caribou and Jamie XX, the opening tracks subtle and gradual movement make it a infectious yet depthy listening experience.
Elsewhere on the EP ‘Act Normals’ boxy beat and choppy synths create a high energy, yet experimental-electronic soundscape which is reflected against the silky sub bass and atmospheric vocal samples.
Surrounding twinkling bell sounds, a punching four the floor which characterises all of Erik’s music and swelling gradually building bass and arpeggiators, ‘Baby’ again highlights Buschmann’s abilities to craft tight, vibrant soundscapes, highlighting the track as one of the EP’s highlights. The lead single ‘Cosmos’, another of the EPs stand out tracks, leans further into the floating atmospheric side of Erik’s production with choppy vocal samples and spacious reverbs which surround the central beat.
Closing with the pulsing beauty ‘Neanderthaler’ and the interweaving dotted synth melodies of ‘Merger’, Erik’s creative vision shines bright.
A vibrant, beautiful, danceable and elegant EP that highlight Buschmann as an unquestionably gifted artist, ‘A Bitter Mess’ is a joyful, hypnotic and truly visionary listen from start to end. Comparable to Jon Hopkins and Bonobo, Erik’s ability to make music that can work as well in a club as it does a chillout playlist is truly astonishing. For me, without doubt one of the best EPs I’ve heard this year.
Listen below:
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