- Top Five Goat Memes seems like the work of someone in search of a fresh start. Eschewing the sinewy post-dubstep of Richard Attley's previous 12-inches, this record introduces an organ-smeared, Cajual-inspired banger ("Top Five Goat Memes") and the pushy cowbell arpeggios of "Rant Over" as a bridge between the soft-focus melodies of Michael, Attley's first album as Mickey Pearce, and his regular drum arsenal. Those two tracks have the best ideas, but some odd additions—like the tuning fork on "Top Five Goat Memes"—muddle them.
Deeper flaws also appear, like on the half-step congas of "Bumpy Chuckles." The percussion is airless and leaden, and each one-shot follows the same rhythmic route as the one before it. The vocal synth near the end feels unnecessary and disposable. The tangy arpeggio on "Readies New Material" begins with a surer stride, but once it gathers momentum it seems unsure of what to do with it. Attley's thin keys are left to dangle in the breakdown, and the loop is recapitulated. Some might dismiss Top Five Goat Memes for its name, but the EP's major problem is the mixed messages it sends. The title track and "Readies New Material" promise explosive heights, but Attley undercuts both with underwhelming pay-offs.
TracklistA1 Top 5 Goat Memes
A2 Rant Over
B1 Bumpy Chuckles
B2 Readies New Material