Electronic music nowadays has more sub-genres and re-classifications than any other form, with bedroom producers constantly pushing the boundaries with seemingly limitless possibilities. Sometimes these releases are bland and same-y, and sometimes they strike gold. Seams’ latest release, the ‘Tourist/Sleeper’ double EP, out on vinyl at the end of this month on Full Time Hobby, is of the shiny precious metal variety.
The first side, ‘Tourist’, is exactly what it says on the tin. Using recorded ambient sounds Seams re-creates a chilled out European café patio in opening track ‘Hung Markets’. If you close your eyes, the brain is transported right there, with syncopated beats pulsing through an ever-changing collection of sounds.
As the EP continues, this theme is expanded further, with ambient samples used throughout. Each track plays like part of an awesome day in Berlin (where the album itself was written), ‘Hung Markets’ being the afternoon café. ‘Carnival’, the shortest track here, is more ambience than song, with the music itself falling to the background and acting as a bridge between the morning and the rest of the night.
And it’s a seriously good night! ‘Nachtmusik’ is the nightclub, building from calmness into a hypnotic head-nodder, drenched in reverby synth parts that leap off one-another and build to a huge crescendo. Finally, ‘Platz’ plays like the cool, chilled-out yet up all night vibe only the best after-parties can conjure.
‘Sleeper’ is instantly a little darker, the second half of the disc beginning with ‘The Glow’, which uses synthesized vocal parts layered up so they sound like some kind of Buddhist chant. The ambient samples are gone here, and the tracks themselves seem more focused in their intention.
The final three tracks are much more up-tempo, we’re not relaxing anymore; it’s time to dance! ‘Potential’ is a groovy 4/4 banger, with an epic build up that sends my mind straight back to the 90s. The synths here are much more glitchy than the first half, while the rhythms have much more pulse.
This continues into ‘Punch’ (seriously, try not to move, I dare you) and ends with the epic ‘The Long Wait’, finishing off the album beautifully. Heads will nod, feet will tap and dance floors will heave.
This album is a grower, give it a few listens and (trust me) you’ll fall in love with music all over again.
Release July 30th on Full Time Hobby.
Posted by Eoin Boylan
