Bang the Beat #4

HOLLY HERNDON – CHORUS (RVNG Intl.)
After astounding many with her debut album, Movement, in 2012, Herndon returns with a forceful example of her futurist post-techno. Mangled voices collide with weighty kick drums to create a strange but ecstatic piece.

MINOR SCIENCE – HAPLESS (The Trilogy Tapes)
Pitchfork and Resident Advisor writer Angus Finlayson's debut as Minor Science goes some way to proving that not all music writers are bitter, failed musicians. This track sees Finlayson moving from critic to creator with aplomb, slicing pitched-down vocals through a battered house beat while resonant synths blossom over it all.

M BUCKLEY – [ LEAPOFFAITH ] (Matool)
Debut 12" from the Dublin producer sees him exploring the kind of lo-fi house moves that are so in vogue at the moment. Tape saturation and loose sampling abounds but it's the knack for balancing textures that makes this one stand out from the crowd.

BUZ LUDZHA – BASSLINES FOR DEATH (All City)
Buz Ludzha is the latest nom-de-plume of the Derry native more commonly known as The Cyclist. After a great LP on Matthewdavid's Leaving Records last year, this new 12" on All City sees him focusing more on dancefloor-ready sounds. Beneath the layers of blasted synths and distorted drums lies an irresistible bass line that sucks in the skeptical.

THE CYCLIST – CRAX (Apartment Records)
And as if his three planned 12"s for All City weren't enough, The Cyclist also has a track on a new four-way split EP from Apartment Records. Joining the Derryman are New Jackson (remixing TR-One), Slowburn and the Superior Inferior. Something from everyone in that mix.

LAKKER – K'ANTU (R&S)
The Dublin-based duo Lakker have been on the local scene for years, but over the past 18 months they have stepped up their game. Containing A Thousand, their new EP on legendary Belgian label R&S, displays the deft touch they have, blending layered percussion with subtle but beautiful melody.

PERC – DUMPSTER (Perx Trax)
This new one from Ali Wells is from his forthcoming album The Pain & The Glory. It's the London-bred producer's finest full-length to date and this track is an example of the album's harder edge. It pounds like Berlin but swings like Detroit, all the while smothered in London grime.