REVIEW: Phenomenal Vol. 1
After a relatively quiet stretch of releases, it feels like we are about to hit that post-lockdown/COVID burst of creativity…
RBI
PHENOMENA is a new label that recently announced itself with a visual aesthetic that feels like a cyberfantasy fever dream. The imprint is a collaboration between tastemakers based in Naarm/Melbourne and London, and their aim is an unfussy yet holistic one: to discover and showcase unconventional electronic music that inspires through themes of beauty and extraordinary experiences from the world we live in. And for the label, that means showcasing artists ‘who share an appetite for original and uncharted sounds and those who foster the greater music community’. For us, that means engaging and intricate club tunes that have as much impact in your bedroom as they would on the dancefloor.
On their debut outing, Phenomenal Vol 1, they’ve released a diverse ten-track collection that is remarkably cohesive considering all the flavours on offer. From banging techno (the rave-tastic ‘TWISTED’ from GEX and the hard-as-rocks ‘Climax’ from SLAMROSS 1000) to dancehall-inspired rhythms (Darama’s alluring ‘Swamp’) and more, there really is something for everyone. The compilation reaches some very high notes, especially on the more free-ranging percussive jams at the start and the fractured beats later on.
If a real journey to the local grocery store inspired Zara to write 'A Walk to the IGA', they must've encountered truculent fairies and other magical creatures along the way. The soundscapes are dense and feature eerie fx, a glib vocal and drum circle percussion that soundtrack the most adventurous grocery store run ever. Following that is the sanative 'Trip Advisor' from Georgia Bird; with slow-tapped rhythms and DMT synths, it’s a spell-binding production.
If you are after deep, fractured beats, cue RBI's 'Check It', which straddles the line between out-of-control and self-restrained. The massive jungle rhythms and sirens contain an anxious melody that engages and disrupts in equal spades. MTLDA's 'feather, scent, shaker', a contender for comp highlight, is an excellent arrangement that reminds of Eris Drew. Out of the starting blocks, it is brooding breaks before blossoming into an explosion of uplifting keys, filtered percussion and a vocal that is strangely comforting.
It’s a theme further explored on closing track 'Magnolia' from Izzy Locke. It features solemn chords lying like a thick winter's blanket on top of energetic skippy beats. It’s A contemplative yet weirdly uplifting listen.
In2stellar
There are more straight-laced 4/4 workouts, too, like Sam Alfred's 'Summer Saturation'. The Tasmanian born but Melbourne based local keeps on impressing with each track, and if you need more proof that his ear for a throwback melody and knack for sturdy house beats is legit, then this is it. Local duo IN2STELLAR stays true to their name with an interstellar jam, their ‘Sugar Machine' an analogue prog-techno workout dripping in old-school aesthetics with just the right amount of psychedelia.
Not only is the compilation a metaphorical bag of lollies for DJs, but it is a pleasant home listening experience too. It’s obvious the Phenomena team put much thought into the track order; with each passing track, the energy oh-so-gently increases, progressively sucking you into its orbit. If this is the sort of care and attention to detail we can expect from the label moving forward, we’re all in for a phenomenal time.
Oh, and we should mention that all proceeds from this comp on their Bandcamp will be donated to the Black Rainbow foundation. Bless.