Review:
Depending on your predilection, the name Venetian Snares will either induce terror or delight. Aaron Funk's music has largely erred towards the aggressive and intense, but those fortunate enough to stumble upon his Last Step project have been privy to a broader tapestry of moods that eschew manic breakcore in favour of low-slung acidic grooves. This latest album, Sleep, is reportedly the result of Funk working on the fringes of his own consciousness at the time when all he really wants to do is have a kip. Stylistically, the Last Step approach is one of vintage brain dance; warm analogue synths give off mournful and intricate melodies, while lashings of expressive acid complement them. The beats are all decidedly vintage too, and largely in a laconic house remit, although to tag this as house music seems a bit of a stretch. Even in the depths of his most malevolent music, it's hard to deny the gift the man has for staggering complexities. Sleep is a shining exponent of that.