Hefty [phyla018] by Anomy

Anomy's debut Hefty EP is an amalgamation of amen breaks, 808-style synthesised sounds, as well as samples from both his drum kit and jazz collection.

The title track introduces the EP in familiar territory, with a hi-hat sequence that immediately brings to mind a standard drum and bass roller. Ominous synths pepper "Hefty" while amen breaks sift in and out of the fold as subs groan like a dying orca in ecstasy. "Mario" takes it up a notch as stuttering, razor-sharp amenisms are juxtaposed with hard-hitting drums, industrial noise, and an insistent, ever-developing bassline, lending the track a terse and pensive quality that never really resolves.

"Split" is a drummer's fantasy where the lines that define harmony and rhythm are blurred. Here, a trembling, unrelenting bass-line underscores an epic conversation between meticulously programmed percussive patterns, providing us with an experience not unlike taking a nap in an electric rainforest during an earthquake. In "Pardon", an orchestral approach to arrangement meets a distinctly trap/footwork soundscape. The vocal samples function like a Greek chorus, working in tandem with horns and ghostly Afro-Cuban claps to set up an American-sized drop, which in turn descends further into edgy triple time footwork laced with frenzied trap-hats, where the timely reintroduction of a messianic but cautiously hopeful piano motif remains our only source of redemption.

The satisfyingly apocalyptic "Izzarap" marks the end of our sonic excursion as the amen breaks and 808s accept a tense compromise in this schizophrenic footwork/jungle banger reminiscent of Jay Z's "On To The Next One", albeit on steroids. An otherwise swanky introduction is turned on its head as the spectres of this EP return to haunt us at the after-party in a track that, if not for a rather arbitrary ending, could go on forever.

Our objective at Phyla is to bring you, the listener, as much quality electronic music as possible. The sky is the limit.

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