Constellation, spacecraft, galaxy? It’s bound to be one of these. From the very first second, the sound of VC-118A’s latest EP Avian makes clear that this act is gazing skyward. Across five tracks of dreamlike electro, the music feels like Alien: Covenant — only without the hostile aliens or treacherous androids. There are syncopations, but they don’t hurt. The beats rattle with gentleness. Even the synths show mercy, welcoming you into extraterrestrial realms.
In the opener and title track »Avian«, the music hums and chirps with life — a sound world that evokes a planet with green lungs. »Avian Scape« follows, drumless but heavy with echo, leading into a bioluminescent cave where the plasticity of the sound design takes centre stage. »Distorted Name« begins with flashing Drexciya-style synths before dissolving into its own terrain: misty layers of grace fraying over a rough-edged beat. »Chord« draws its charm from the dub-inspired harmonies of its title, topped with a melody so delicate, fragile and playful that few electro acts could match it. Finally, »Blush« closes the EP with a burst of funk, paying a touching nod to Drexciya — and confirming, once and for all, that VC-118A ranks among the finest electro producers in this galaxy.
Avian
