Vromm – Binary Vol. 8 [Critical]

The Binary series has been a mixed bag; the concept of a digital-only series allowing more rapid dissemination of music with less risk is certainly a solid idea for a label of Critical’s size, but (perhaps inevitably) the results have been a little inconsistent. To our mind, the series has been at it’s best when pushing the envelope with more experimental sounds, and that’s exactly where their latest EP from Vromm comes in.

There’s a fair amount of variation to be found in the four tracks on show. Nomad and Motor Hell provide Samurai/Cylon-esque slices of moody halftime which plenty of interesting sonic textures, but the other two tracks are where Vromm really excels himself. Zombie features some fantastically intricate percussion and a really nice second half progression, while star opening track Lake Monsters is a masterclass in sound design, with terrifying effect.

It’s great to see Kasra’s label providing a platform for an emerging artist with a fairly avantgarde sound; we hope to hear more of this kind of thing via Binary in the future, assuming it lasts longer than previous series Modulations. Check out the clips below and hit up the Critical Store to grab a copy now.

Vromm – Prototype EP [31 Recordings]

After a period of quiet for some three years Doc Scott’s 31 Recordings is back in full swing, and since last year the label has released a solid stream of great new music. The latest EP release comes from Vromm, the new solo project from one member of eclectic electronic collective Various Production.

The beats on show here carry a deep, dark, tribal quality; while they were clearly designed with big soundsystems in mind, there’s a definite “Room 2” vibe to the tracks. Intricate percussion, deftly crafted atmosphere and weighty groove define the EP through and through, and fans of the output on labels like Samurai Music and Nurtured Beatz are sure to lap this one up too. The EP is out now; check out the clips below and grab a copy from your favourite outlet.

You can also check out a guest mix from Vromm for KMag below, featuring tracks from the EP alongside beats from the likes of Dub Phizix, Gremlinz and Ink. Deeper beats!