SCB Engineered Morality Hotflush Recordings | The Electro Review

SCB
Engineered Morality
Hotflush Recordings
TBR: 16th March


This third alias EP release from Scuba deepens the journey of sound already explored and mapped. By allowing experimental influence to provide conjecture and direction to a greater extent, Engineered Morality tells more in the continual story of disastrous climate change in the past, caused by some kind of glitch. Pressed on his own imprint, Hotflush, Paul Rose aka Scuba/SCB is making huge waves in the electronic music scene by not only producing fresh and inspiring material but also promoting it from others as well. All the while with regular tour dates for each fresh wave of music, the new title is one more step in the direction of artistic permanence.


Intelligence Fetish begins with a retro distorted synthesiser riff, taking easy steps down a short scale. Soon accompanied by a subtly eerie undertone of bass notes, crackle, and a distant muffled hum, the holistic effect is one of anticipating tension. It's fun and psychological, and when the drum sounds begin to crash in like raining shells, the whole track is rocked by their intensity. Ripples seem to form in the mixing as the slow but ferocious drums shatter various pools and stills which have been quietly enjoying the scenery. Industrial clangs and crashes form a wholesome and industrial noise-factory while the more delicate notes remain calm and true to their melody.


With the second number, a much quicker drum begins the track. A fast kick and shuffle mix is joined by a glassy rhythm which feels organic in origin. Doubled up by cymbal hits, the rhythm becomes hypnotic as bass and melodic drums add their flavours to the infusion. The bouncing step in the track is joined by a transient tone which sweeps from side to side, marking an opening for further thrusts of intensity. Precise Incision is a much darker and rhythm based number than the first, it builds and flows with repeating loops and sprinkles of sound that adorn like dramatic garnish. Oscillation style beats snake in and out of the main pulse of the track as new injections of melody and rhythm continually layer new phrases to the multi-tonal material.


Final track Fishbowl returns to the slower and melodic atmosphere that the EP began with. Playful synths score their paths along a musical field in abstract but aesthetically pleasing lines and geometries. As the drums begin, the pace is upbeat but lacks the intensity delivered before. A much more laid back sensation follows as the music peaks into its main section. Snappy drum claps show us how to move before a strange and distorted bass melody chirrups through the undergrowth. It creates an air of mystery and intrigue among the orderly and danceable beats underpinning the tune.


A great fifteen minute mover with depth and energy, inspiring and novel with elements of the traditional. Electronic fans pay attention.



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