by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Tristan Arp switches labels for this four-part EP, following his colourful and enigmatic release End of a Line or Part of a Circle? in June.

The Self Elastic is inspired by the writings of Octavia E. Butler and Bo-Young Kim and the fluid approach of jazz master Ornette Coleman – but is described as being ‘designed for freak-time club rapture’.

What’s the music like?

Intriguing – and as fluid as its title suggests. Arp has endless imagination when in the company of a synthesizer, but one of the elements that makes his work so distinctive on this EP is his use of rhythm.

The ‘freak-time club rapture’ is aided by percussive and is found in much more subtle workings on Polymer, a ball of energy with musical material that ricochets backwards and forwards like a form of ping pong. Afterimaging has a similarly active profile, Arp crafting short riffs and melodic cells that weave in and out of intricate yet hyperactive percussion. Soon the reference to Ornette Coleman becomes clear, a saxophone offering an intense counterpoint before the music subsides.

Shrink Wrap offers a contrast, its slower motifs suggesting the workings of a small chemistry lab, before the subtle brush strokes of Liquid bring music that simultaneously moves forward energetically while being suspended in space. Arp’s music has a friendly profile here.

Does it all work?

It does – each of the four tracks linking together in satisfying unity.

Is it recommended?

It is. Another fascinating Tristan Arp EP demanding to be added to your collection.

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