Imagine if ancient Gnostic scribes discovered a Roland drum machine and a Nintendo 64 controller, then decided to throw a rave in a Celtic meadow. This whimsical fusion encapsulates the essence of "Pleroma", the latest offering from London-based sibling duo uh - Dominic and Fionnuala Kennedy. Known for their genre-defying explorations, uh continues to blur the lines between ambient, synth-pop, breakbeat, and pastoral rave, crafting a soundscape that's both otherworldly and intimately human.
The EP opens with "nostos", a sprawling 14-minute odyssey that feels like a lucid dream where Laurie Anderson, Underworld, and The Knife jam in a sun-dappled forest. Fionnuala's vocals, manipulated into ethereal textures, dance atop intricate breakbeats and shimmering synths, creating a sense of ecstatic disorientation that's both exhilarating and comforting.
"i ate the light" shifts gears into a melancholic ballad, weaving cybernetic falsettos with stately snares and sweeping synths. It's a love story told through the lens of a digital age, evoking feelings of longing and cosmic connection.
"jungle parkway" injects a dose of playful energy, blending acid house, trance, UK funky, and video game music into a track that's as nostalgic as it is forward-thinking. Named after the duo's favorite Mario Kart level, it encapsulates the joy of creative play and the cathartic release of movement.
The EP concludes with "i want my life back", a delicate denouement that evokes a far-flung pop paradise. It's a gentle landing after the cosmic journey, leaving listeners in a state of suspended tranquility.
Throughout "Pleroma", uh demonstrates their improvisatory flair and eclectic influences, crafting a collection that's as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. It's music that invites you to dance, reflect, and perhaps even transcend the mundane. In a world often defined by boundaries, uh offers a sonic experience that feels boundless - a true pleroma of sound.