Call Super – Staircase EP review

When Five Easy Pieces emerged as a label earlier this year with a debut release sporting the day glo boogie sounds of London duo Royalty, we were confronted with an unknown quantity that surprised and delighted on all levels. Fast forward several months and the second release on the fledgling imprint might be dipped in a keener sense of familiarity given the names involved, but it proves to be no less impressive. Formed of Matt Waites (who some may recall operating under the Nightmoves and Moscow monikers) and Nocturnes boss JR Seaton, Call Super brings together two producers with a true love of vintage analogue sounds and a willingness to implement it via new formulas.

There’s a clear attention to detail that runs throughout this release, which hits you from the moment your eyes focus on the tiny patterns that adorn the cover. The time and effort dedicated to making the design look just right (having the title read down the spine is a particularly nice touch) transcends to the music and impresses right up until the needle reaches the B Side run out groove.

Across the three original tracks here, Waites and Seaton seem to revel in the opportunity to indulge their charmingly oddball side – the opening track “And It Was” for example has hushed vocals and a squelching acid refrain at its core but the track jerks with rhythmic intrigue, never giving clues as to where it will lead you. “Nosebleed” also hisses with a sense of the oncoming unknown and does not disappoint when far reaching acid patterns emerge in tow with rough hewn drums jacking with loose limbed glee.

Listen to “Timora” blindfolded and you might mistake it for a Blawan production, sitting comfortably in both the techno and dubstep camps and notable for the litany of little production touches and rhythmic swerves that constantly drag your attention in different directions. Off the back of two superb EPs and all the critical praise that followed them, Objekt provides an intriguing proposition as choice of remix artist for “Timora”. Largely straightening out the rhythmic kinks, Objekt implements a strident electro feel, slowly adding layers of brutal industrial textures which combine with real potency.

Tony Poland