Minimal House artist Aaalyssa DeBoer released her latest EP Genesis on the 27th of August. Although there are only four tracks included, she uses that time to show her increasing talent in the field. Especially in the middle two tracks, it is obvious that she has been honing her skills, with very smooth transitioning and amicable stylistic choices.
The first track, entitled Genesis, employed the use of a dampened beat. I would have liked it better if that beat was used throughout the track rather than in certain sections. What would have also improved the song is if the dampened beat faded out of into a connected section. Aurora Trailing was had a much smoother sound, with interesting layers that sounded almost contrapuntal. The constant beat was also helpful in orientating oneself in the song. My only criticism of this track was that it faded out too quickly in the final few seconds. A more gradual decrescendo or a continuation of the basic beat into the next song would have been easier on the ears.
I was very impressed by the seamless fluidity in which the melody transitioned from a piano sound to an electronic sound in This Is Not Reality. As the track had a subtle beat rather than a driving one, I think this song in particular would have benefitted from a loud, celebratory climactic section. In Blue Jets and Red Sprites I was quite surprised to find myself listening to a bit of a swing beat. In techno music, the main focus is keeping a steady beat. When a rhythm is swung it feels like it lags behind the beat; because of this I wasn’t sure whether Aaalyssa’s endeavour would work. However, I was pleased to hear that it worked exceptionally well, the only negative thing about it was that it wasn’t in the forefront enough for my liking.
Although the EP gets off to a bit of a slow start, it is clear that Aaalyssa has creativeness and talent. It would have been nice to hear at least one or two big climaxes and a few of the sound choices could have been better, but she shows promise. I give it 7/10.
Check out my interview with Aaalyssa here