Dam Mantle - Purple Arrow EP

Our review
Customer reviews
Press release

4...according to our Ant on Thu 09 Sep, 2010.

Sounds like Joker fired a big Purple Arrow up North that shot this Glasgow producer, who's then proceeded to reassemble it into his own vision of crunked-up synth funk within a sort of glitchy dubstep framework. 'Broken Slumber' fits somewhere between spooked IDM and current bass machinations with a real depth to the production and lovely liquid sounds. It's clear from the first side that this producer has his own unique thing going on. A swift flip of the vinyl reveals the title track with shimmering synths and a syrupy 'n' gooey buzzing bass line. There are some vocals too which then become processed and add a further dose of funk to proceedings. 'Two Women' features female vocal samples all mangled up and warped beats and bleeps like Ikonika in a blender. A solid EP throughout.

OVERVIEW: "brimming with originality, ideas, and a palpable sense of fun that cannot fail but radiate outwards to the listener". Clash, Ones to Watch

"Like our feeble minds, Dam Mantle's patchwork songs balance precariously on the brink of collapse. They always seem to be almost falling apart, until stretched seams reveal their intricate stitching." Pinglewood

"an exceptionally groovy slice of glitch-hop" Pitchfork

Following the universally applauded debut release of the 'Grey' EP earlier this year, Glasgow-based Dam Mantle will release the 'Purple Arrow' EP via 'Growing Records' on September 13th.

Opening track 'Theatre' hits you instantly, pulsating glitches combining with soaring chords that suck you in. 'Broken Slumber' immediately weaves its way in with stacatto beats, gradually filling the space with woozy synths that would perfectly soundtrack a dark evening. The tribal, half step feel of 'Purple Arrow' is broken up by Dam Mantle's spooked chanting and harsh, industrial-like undertones.

The almost-eerie 'Two Women' brings it all to a perfect end. And that is what the 'Purple Arrow' EP embodies - an amazing, atmospheric patchwork of influences and sounds that continue to bewitch and engage.