How and why would you review a release that doesn’t exist? As a demo, replies the editor, and that’s all I was really after, an excuse to review a collection of five tracks by Melbourne outfit Aoi (pronounced Ay-oy). Aoi DJ’s at Black Cat in Melbourne, creating a great deal of interest, but it’s the production of Aoi that has really interested me. What started with a bunch of water-damaged records and some drum machines has evolved into some of the most progressive hip-hop production coming out of Melbourne.
‘Mk-Ultra’ rocks with a sharp drum break, twisted bass sample, repetitive tone and turntable touches, I just wish it would go on for longer. ‘Floral Foam’ heads into wonky territory, disjointed beats, rolling bass and lush 80’s synth workouts. ‘Mayday’ steps back to a dirty drum break, an atonal melody and vocal snatches, again, I just want to hear more. ‘Decades Of Rust’ nails a rolling drum break, layered with lush melancholic strings, taking me back to classic MoWax material. ‘Played’ deals in Flying Lotus territory, lush moods and melodies, clipped beats, electronic wizardry usually associated with labels such as Warp, and fractured vocal snatches, a really organic sound which could be compared to Boards Of Canada.
This is some of the most refreshing hip-hop I have heard in some time, and I’m very keen to hear more. Lets hope a physical release will follow soon. Check out more at www.myspace.com/mattholamew, more free music for your ears there too.
Wayne Stronell
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