(Tempest Recordings)

This release from Tempest Records has been compiled by Arcane Trickster and suitably titled: Electrickery. The compilation takes the listener on a journey through electronic grooves and navigates through a variety of genres; all with a subtle psychedelic edge. The label describes the sound as one that combines “thunderous rhythms and esoteric electronica”; and after listening to this CD I Must say that description is pretty much spot on.

The compilation opens with the tribal sonic grooves of Spies – Instead Of, characterised by its heavy psy-breaks and wild sounds setting the scene for tracks to come. Red Eye Express – Iris is possibly the most banging tune, featuring trippy samples and thumping bass lines, it is the perfect track for the main stage of an outdoor festival. The Ohm Squad – Paralytic continues with the vibe set by the previous track, distinctive crunchy synths hammering the melodies out in an intense fashion. The pace slows down momentarily with Wormfood – High Hunter, the huge electro sounds springing about over funky techno beats. A remix of Eat Static’s classic Implant follows, this remix only available on this compilation combines eerie samples layering perfectly over the funky beats.

Harmonic 33 – Slippery Wax as its title suggests is a creative meld of some funky scratching and electro sounds over techy beats. The psy-breaks feel of Random Designers – Transmutation follows accompanied by its smooth bass line. Psyburbia – Urban Forest Odyssey 2 (Arcane Trickster Remix) continuing on this tip with its dub feel. Comprised of a great bass line, and buried in layers of psychedelic sound; with crisp crafty breaks thumping everything into place. The last two tracks Ornament – I-Massa and Arcane Trickster – Forever are the most chilled of all the tracks, featuring a myriad of interesting electronic sounds over gentle moody melodies and great vocals in ‘Forever’.

For any fan of various electronica with a psychedelic edge this CD is an excellent collection of tracks with enough variety to keep you satisfied. Whether it’s the crisp percussion, huge rolling bass lines, psychedelic sounds or 303 melodies this compilation will be on repeat in your CD player for weeks to come.

To celebrate the launch of Electrikery, a party at the Empire Hotel in Kings Cross is taking place on Friday May 16. Acts announced are Grey Area, Arcane Trickster, Terra Nine, Psyburbia, Random Designers, and Zen Child. Door charge is $15 or $12 presale from www.tempestrecordings.com.au, or $20 at the door with CD.