Abominable Galaxy, the debut album from Melbourne duo Audego, comprised of producer Pasobionic and vocalist Carolyn Tariq, aka Big Fella, is a unique working of samples, slow breaks, and delicate vocals. The album presents an overall rather dark sound, resembling the downtempo trip-hop sounds of acts such as Portishead and Massive Attack. There are, however, smooth female vocals that cut through to provide a pleasant balance. Organic sampling leaves a soft vinyl crackle on the majority of tracks, lending the songs warmth that is often lacking in contemporary music.
The first track, ‘Unfamiliar Song’, pushes a gritty filtered bass line with a rather simple drum line resting on the top. Obscure rattling samples lead into the track before the bass takes over, carrying it through to the very end.
‘Borrowed Time’, perhaps my favourite track on the album, could easily be mistaken as a tune by Portishead themselves, with a smooth rhythmic lead in, the soulful vocals push through like those of Beth Gibbons, and a coda of blaring horn samples near the end brings it right home to the trip-hop aesthetic.
‘Rose’ is another strong stand out on the album, an instrumental jazz number that contrasts excellently with the gritty electronic pieces that cover the rest of the track list, yet it still fits in with the collective sound. A smooth sampled piano line trickles over plucked bass, all kept in time by a soft drum loop that sits well amongst the immersive vinyl crackle.
Abominable Galaxy is a stellar release, one that brings the distinct late ’90s and early ’00s dark electronic sound into the current decade, with excellent production and flawless vocals marking it as an album for the those who appreciate the more intricate forms of electronic music.
Joshua Millar
