12"

genre: MINIMAL - ELECTRO

label: Altered Circuits Cat.No: ALT006

B.AI has rapidly established himself within contemporary electronic music, and arguably one of his most captivating feats is his ability to make the minimal, electro, and tech house genres he moves within his own, injecting them with a unique melodic sensibility. On ‘The Best EP’, the Chengdu-based artist proves not only that he can pen memorable hooks, but that he can do so across a wide range of registers. ‘Nightdreaming’ is a melancholic cut – though new, solidly patched layers continue to be introduced, and the groove never slows, a sense of restraint remains. That atmosphere quickly changes on ‘Satisfy’, which, with its tapestry of undetermined arpeggios and EBM-evoking vocals, takes on a nervous edge. ‘The Best’, on the B-side, is an explosion of vigour designed for the peak moment. Over an effective bass groove, modulated chords, white noise washes, delicately mixed moans, and shimmery pads almost overlay themselves. On ‘Crash Landing On Nimas’, B.AI, alongside Diego Santana, unleashes a series of out-of-tune, portamento-heavy square wave patterns. The EP, varied yet balanced, ends on such an ominous note… the contrast with how bright we imagine this maverick talent’s future to be could not be starker. [info sheet from distribution]