Skee Mask – Iss004

By Corey Maass

The brutal stop-time acieed of “Jugg” by Skee Mask, sets the tone for this EP. Bass as percussion, Percussion as bass. There are tender, melodic moments but they’re quickly squashed by voluminous Aphex-style synths. Gorgeous, if a bit hard to dance to.

“Slow Music” is the rainy day version. Thunder rumbles far away. You’re dry, but cold, left inside with your thoughts.

“RZZ” is a perfect beat and sub, messed with for six minutes. After “Slow Music”, uplighting strings and filtered melodies inspire the sun to peek through the blinds.

The distorted drum machine madness of “Play Ha” is a treat. It bounces along, switching up every once in a while.

And finally “Sphere in Total” is a great name for a track that feels like the credit bed for this dramatic EP-as-movie. Strings wrap around stairwells, filled with demon choirs.

This EP is a wonderful balance of detail and abandonment. It reminds me of the best IDM in the 90s and 00s that inspired me to get into music production. Keep this on repeat.

Posted on November 14, 2019