3 Electro Knights is a recent collaborative affair from members of Leeds band Bushpilot, who were active back in the nineties; here they have chosen electronic music as their jumping off point, an experiment in synthesis that finds the three members happily exploring the far reaches of their chosen instruments, usefully listed on the back of these two sprawling EPs.
Starting with the Red Admiral EP, the self-titled opener is that electronic music of dark highways and fine angst, the synthetic movement crossed with the distant stream of textures, that slow assurance, the mysterious fire in the eye that is easily lost in the gloom, but sharpened by the glare of sodium lamps through tinted windows. The sense of travel smooth and unhindered, distorted tones shimmering high above.
It is a fine opener, which the hypnotic and minimalist piano motif of “Hidden Intent 2” pushes into a different direction, the light dancing on the edge of your vision as industrial clatter attempts to obscure the pattern, scurf scattered across the pretty but manic bows.
Their differing moods are still reached with similar aesthetics, but here they push out into space, taking the vibe of “Hidden Intent 2”, but pushing it further, stretching it, seeing where its natural conclusion is, allowing the glimmer of starlight to enter and infuse the gradually evolving synth lines. It is a compelling and satisfying series of pieces that is part of a natural progression going back to Can and Yellow Magic Orchestra, but exploring the outer reaches where sub techno and glitchy electro meet.
The Rave One EP starts off in a more subterranean manner, and although the tracks from the two discs were recorded simultaneously, here the sharp stabs and low jabs follow a sultry beat that glints in sparse light, jagged streaks of noise briefly illuminating.
On the second side, “I Tense”, with its shaker rhythm and long mind-expanding journey, was the first thing the trio completed and it is perhaps the ultimate extension of their aesthetic; a simple series of diverse textures, a slow, sticky feel in unison with a harsh, metallic head-crack. It moves on its imperturbable way with the slow precision of a hunting snake, constantly searching; and as with all good, long explorations, it evolves slowly, hypnotising and drawing you further in until you are under its spell.
These two releases are adventurous and propulsive with enough comfort to demand repeat listens. They look gorgeous on coloured vinyl and there is no excuse not to head for Bandcamp and snap some up.-Mr Olivetti-
