Goldffinch At Juno Download

Review: In the space of a few months, Goldffinch have racked up a considerable number of quality releases, and this EP on Saigon is probably their most focused to date. Taking the juke like elements of their previous releases - the clipped, repeating vocals and snappy percussion - the duo somehow manage to make them leaner, and more importantly, fresh. Utilising minimal, swung percussion, "Funky Steppa" comes across as more house than funky, but it's no less effective. "Groove Panda" meanwhile is a stripped-back, warehouse ready percussive jam which uses ultra-dry 808 rhythms in a package that sounds like Pearson Sound gone soca.

Review: Rounding off his mini-series of releases for Saigon, Goldffinch continues the label's fine tradition of spooked-out techno-dubstep combinations with some fresh and freaky ideas that hit the contemporary nail on the head. "Tip The Dog" maximises the mileage you can get out of a chopped vocal, while the synth hook creates that aforementioned haunting vibe. The beat rolls along on an easy break, all soft hits and voluptuous sub, leaving the decoration to take the limelight. "Outer Twigs" is a 4/4 workout that maintains the lean beats, creating a strange meeting point between UK Funky and techno with the dramatic synth sweeps.

Review: Fast following up a stellar joint release from Hackman & Tessela, Dutch bass merchants Audio Culture turn to the Belgian duo Goldffinch, who have been nothing less than on fire over the past six months. "Model" displays their deft touch for minimal UKF snare patterns and sensitively handled vocal slices, all wrapped up in a package of deep, dark bass. "Let Me See" takes things in a Drexciyan electro direction, employing cavernous reverb around sharp flecks of rippling synth. "Belle" meanwhile finishes things up on a futuristic R&B note, filling their sparse production with warm neon blue synth pads. As ever with Goldffinch, this is essential stuff.

Review: Expect juke-like elements, syncopated rhythms and repeated vocal loops spinning around a bass-laden soundscape in Goldffinch's techno-influenced piece "Point Of Entry". The Belgian duo have been impressing us with their recent output and this is no exception. "Point Of Entry" is all gloopy SFX, firm, hissing beats and a heavy atmosphere with sub bass pressure from below and the dizzying, disorientating vocal element confusing the senses from all directions. "Arabian Prince" is another electrotech gem, with sumptuous soundscape, deftly placed beats, throbbing bass and ominous vocal coming in and out of focus. Well worth checking out!