[PCMS052] Shift - Song Cycles For Ritual Dance

Shift’s Juju leaps into a vibe like late 90’s dark jazz Tech Step but with large amounts of variation on the rhythm. The percussion is sharp and a rapidly evolving. Double bass and squelching synth notes trade off. This is a high energy piece.

Totem has a drum break which is a bit muted sounding sitting with sparse, delayed sax samples. The melody is a double bass loop which sits around the stuttering pattern of the drum break. The second half takes the melody and twists it into an instrument a bit like tuned steel drums.

Shift - Wasteland starts out sparse and gradually brings in more percussion and the main drum break. The ambient nature of the track abruptly becomes much darker with a tense bassline and a forceful drum rhythm. Bell-like melodies from inside piano and airy pads tame the serious tone.

Random found sounds slowly morph and reveal the main rhythm of Kekkai. A double bass melody ties into the earlier tracks. Layered and alternating drum breaks give the track a strong groove. The slower tempo and ethereal sound effects make this a nice lead out to the EP but the second half shifts and leaves on an ominous note.