There is a flood of words that comes to mind with this release, from my instant 'Oh wow, this is psytrance but industrial!'(Which I have always wanted) to 'Ohh this part sounds like Mind.In.A.Box, this part sounds post rock, this part sounds like Prodigy, how did they make THAT sound? and so on.. Basically treat your ears and soul to this yourself and take one hell of a trip with Analogue Blood! I mean the fact there are mushrooms on the cover too.. mmm, yes *Chef's kiss*
Industrial, electronic and energetic, ‘Equinox’ is the latest release from guitar driven EDM duo, Analogue Blood. Located in the North East of England, Analogue Blood take listeners on a psychedelic journey engulfed in hallucinogenic grit and power.
The five-track EP, inspired by the euphoria of summer time and live music, was written in the height of Summer 2021, emerging from the turbulence of the past year.
Coming off the back of a national tour, Analogue Blood have already taken the upcoming EP out on the road. Aggressive and assertive, ‘Equinox’ is a dynamic body of work with hints of surrealism and otherworldly sonics. With sharp arpeggiated synth lines, crunching guitar riffs and pulsating EDM drum beats, ‘Equinox’ is full of relentless energy, contorted and twisted into Analogue Blood’s signature sound. Amongst the dark shadows of glitching electronics and impactful textures, glides a range of eerie vocal lines. Tracks like ‘Keep On Dancing’ and lead single ‘Equinox,’ are accentuated by angelic and haunting female vocals, a stark contrast to the heavy guitars and distorted production, while ‘Invisible’ introduces the powerful delivery of male vocals. Influenced by the likes of Eat Static, Prodigy and Cubanate, Analogue Blood have created a soundscape that makes listeners want to dance in the middle of mosh pit.
Review
Celestial Equator - Guitars, flowing electronics, and an electro distorted female vocal makes for a killer opening of what you can already tell will be a feel good EP that masterfully crafts heavy riffs down a shift so that it feels relaxing and memorable. It is a little short and I wouldn't call it a whole track but as I said, definitely a great intro!
Equinox- This makes me think of a sci-fi version of ancient Babylon or Mesopotamia with the slight eastern twinge to the opening vocals which soon sweeps in to a dance heavy mind melt if played at loud enough volume. Much like pure psytrance, there is a lot going on at once that pulls your mind in multiple directions of tone, pace, and meaning which might be too chaotic for some or perfect for neurodivergent listeners who can listen to multiple layers easily, almost like listening to -but also- thoroughly enjoying two tracks at once.
Invisible - Speedier and somewhat 90's nostalgic than the last tracks with the introduction. The male vocals instantly put you in mind of Pendulum and the days of clubbing free and careless. There's a lot of power between the notes and drives that sudden need to be active and moving around whilst also plucking on some heartstrings with a slight edge of melancholy to the vocals that you cant quite place. It makes for a poignant mix. It has a very nice and chilled outro which rounds it off with that slightly more familiar industrial twinge.
Keep on dancing - Once again we are transported to ancient lands and the out of place sci-fi tech users amongst them. It brings a wonderful sense of connection to what once was and what is now, as well as the future, and how music can unite so much across so much of human history. Am I reading in to this way too much? Probably but what is psytrance and industrial if not both full of meaning and interpretation? Let's hope humanity never stops dancing to the rhythms of our souls.
Hypnotise - Lastly we are back to the more familial sounds of Analogue Blood and their EDM industrial feel that has served them so damn well in previous releases. I am always impressed by how beautiful the female vocals are and how elegantly they flow around such strong drum and guitar loops with ease in their tracks and this song is once again a prime example of just that.
Tracklist
Conclusion
Analogue Blood consistently release incredible tunes with a signature sound like no other. This is a wild trip of tracks that was unexpected but oh so welcome. I'd love to see far more genre mixing of industrial, especially if it's gonna kick the spiritual awakening feelings up a notch a lot more!
Scores
Technicality: 9/10
Soul factor: 9/10
Energy: 9/10
Vocals/Samples: 9/10
Re-play value: 8/10
Overall score: 8.8/10
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