James Braun Tearjerker EP Tartelet Records | The Electro Review

James Braun
Tearjerker EP
Tartelet Records
TBR: 16th November




As it opens, abstract and metallic waveforms crash like slow motion waves as a generic click track marks the rhythmic intentions of this piece. The clicking fades to drum loops and an extra layer of summery and enlivening synths form a cool and breezy introductory interlude. The pace shifts to a rhythm based keyboard melody which hovers around a central key and a fun bass lick begins to dominate the other half of the sound.


Catchy and uplifting vibes form a crazy melody that contains echoes of jazz in its structure, before a brief cut down to more metallic sounding crests allows a breathing space. The network of loops and melodies revs up again to a high gear once more the bass is leading the way as loops and sound effects rhythmically dance round the moving pace.


A mix of three tracks and one remix, this selection paves the way for a much anticipated 2018 album release. Giving us Braun fans a flavour of things to come with this snappy and summer scented release is a perfect pick me up for the winter months. Track one and two are based on the same composition, only the latter is a galaxy dub remix. Three and four form two unique numbers to finish the offering. Those with the digital version are treated to another two bonus remix tracks on top of these four well worked releases.


Track two opens up with a new doorway to its counterpart, and the mix suggests a more or less complete re-working of the factors and subtleties which inevitably give a track its colour and taste. This more heady rendition of the title piece, Tearjerker, contains less substance but the direction of rhythm is more pronounced, allowing for space to play with mixing and breaks as well as providing a stable bass driven pulse with extra layers of spacey flow.


Panalama Party People begins with a slightly dazed feel, nostalgic tones like ancient computer games grant a sensation of dreamland as a lightly added looped beat frames the piece in a fast paced but relaxing groove. More bass notes offer a fun and dancey flow of jazz inspired frolicking as analogue sounding synths drift over like distant cars on a flyover. Intensities build with every new pass of additions, the bass becomes more insistent, and the melodies begin to demonstrate more pattern and urgency. The progression is wonderful, smooth, and enchanting.


As a solitary bass drum begins to pound amidst an unfamiliar hush, Hakkebøf begins with the addition of an arpeggio based loop which sounds like it comes from a sonic oscillation device. A quick step rhythm brings a central filling to the piece as a swirly and artistic worm synth snakes around in the high end. Funky two beat bass notes are brought in which drives the music into a steady hypnotic state, more sonics are added in the subtle zone which allows a slight shifting of direction and progress with every bar.


The EP is a fine work of dance and experimental material, it brings the energy of a room into a comfortable but charged framework. Self similarity runs through its veins and novel uses of sound make the contents of the arteries. Techno music from the heart, with room for playing around for people who like to use music as ingredients, JB has set the tone for something remarkable in latter months.

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