Carlton Doom Necrodancer EP Deep Sea Frequency TBR: 5th October | The Electro Review

Carlton Doom
Necrodancer EP
Deep Sea Frequency
TBR: 5th October


Emerging from the sub-conscious fathoms of Chris Hanna's deep-seated shadow personality stands Carlton Doom. So far only appearing to Chris in his dreams and explorations of the possible, Carlton brings massive energy to big room sounds in huge hitting depth-core electro. This inaugural production sets a scene of shimmering darkness and crazy magic with its self-evidently sinister title. Dancing with the dead is perhaps something we do on a daily basis when we consider that all of our society is built on those who lived before us. From the thoughts about life to the technology we use, scientific and philosophical existence is framed by the achievements of past generations. This Belfast based drum and sound technician brings it all to life with this record.


First track Necrodancer brings home the biscuits with a snappy and catchy drumbeat which builds with bass on a gradual incline. Soon the bursts of sound and thumping percussion are met with shivering high-pitched tones that slice through the mix causing distorted bubbles and drawn-out sustain. Then, a dirty sludge bass pours across in a heavy and viscous flood of musical gravy. As it pads out the original sounds into their distorted cushioning some wailing synths pin it to the ceiling. The journey to the energy was fantastic so it seems that its happening again. Broken down sections of rhythm and drum wind the clock for a few moments before that gravely bassline hits the floor once again.


The new number hits hard with a thrust of energy in the form of rhythmic percussion at a frantic pace. As if leaping from one metallic object to another, with the tempo set to sweat-breaking, the sounds resound and resonate through a slurry of varying form. As it all begins to make sense to us, a bass drum is added to really make sure we get it. This metallic and fast-moving homage to floor-filling gravity rolls out the cymbal and drum to fill the gaps between the organic feeling bric-a-brac-bash that ceaselessly riffs onward. Interesting phasers and tubular blowing sounds combine to revolve an under-tone around the drumbeat. It makes me think of spheres within spheres. Perhaps that's what a dance-floor looks like from the DJ booth.


Fascinating rhythms seem to be a key aspect in the music on this EP. The third number begins with a swirling cake of drum and cymbal which clap and slap through a sonic mesh which bends and pulls everything into expressive shapes. As they soothe themselves on an addition of slightly tampered bass-drum, a bridge of chaos to order begins to build. A sudden silence reveals a cave of intent, which becomes the passage-way for a slinky throb bass to craft wavering tones like a torrent of bats. As we become drawn into the blank, and our eyes begin to adjust to the gloom, digital bass tries to push through the gaps in the wall. Although it struggles to hold a pure rhythm, we can feel the oncoming surge of flow that no-doubt will appear when the pressure builds. It does and with a mix of synth, sample, and drum, the track crests in a repeating surge of sound.


Final track Rot opens with a new drumbeat which resonates on the high end. It's scuffed with grating effects which have touched on all the peaks and troughs without removing their recognisability. An industrial type scream shudders from the mix as the percussion drowns into the pilot-light, then a flare of energy brings everything into one focus. Techno with a dark-wave edge that has enough power behind it to fuel big rooms of beat-hungry maniacs makes this first offering of four one to dedicate to the rest of Carlton Doom's musical output.  

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