Overmono - Arla III

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  • Overmono has taken a bit of getting used to. Working solo, both Russell brothers can make awesomely characterful, standalone club moments like, say, "Hackney Parrot" or "Kymin Lea." Their Overmono tracks, by comparison, are level, atmospheric and sometimes sketch-length. They work best in sum rather than individually, which might be why the project's releases have been grouped into a trilogy. Arla II had the puzzle's key pieces (it would be great to hear the duo experiment more with those odd time signatures). The trilogy's final instalment fills the remaining gaps. As with the previous EPs, the obvious standout is a rolling techno epic with spuming trance leads. "Phase Magenta" isn't the best in the style, but it's a satisfying slice of big-room shock and awe. Elsewhere the duo home in further on Overmono's trademark mood: cresting euphoria expressed via gauzy '90s signifiers. It's exquisite in "Inulin," where junglist breakbeats stutter and whirr through a teary mist of chords. Almost as good is "Harp Open," a two minute hands-in-the-air breakdown without a drop. Only "Pom" is a bit lacklustre, slowing the Overmono chug to 90 BPM and turning the mood inwards. Giddy highs are what Overmono do best.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Inulin A2 Phase Magenta B1 Pom B2 Harp Open
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