Lost under the sheer mass and hype of new Hotflush releases, it’s easy to see why Sigha’s not a guy who gets a lot of column space. Abstractions I-IV is his 6th release for Scuba’s imprint-cum-UK institution and there’s not a vocal hook in sight; no dance-floor shattering drops for the kids, no game-changing genre- splicing for the heads. Instead he tunnels deeper down the introspective rabbit hole; shedding the London from his sound and offering up 3 lean slabs of immersive Berlin techno.
‘Where I Come To Forget’ begins the EP proper on a stripped down Berlin flex. Robert Hood style sci-fi synths spiral around a pounding 2 note kick drum that makes up the backbone of the track. Rather than re-writing the rule books, it’s a textbook lesson in layering, progression and well chosen sound palette. Variation comes when the drums cut away occasionally but Sigha’s not one for the emotive breakdown, and quickly builds the layers back up as the track powers on toward the 8 minute mark.
Things ease up (relatively) on ‘How to Disappear’ – swapping pounding intensity for precise, tightly structured rhythms, echo-chamber arpeggios and panning ambient flourishes. ‘Drown’s introspective paranoia closes the set. It doesn’t so much grab you by the balls as follow you round in the shadows and watch you while you sleep. Skittering reverbed percussion over intense dark ambient backdrop propels the tune while hi-end drums skulk in the background. It’s pretty scary shit, whack it next to Hyph Mngo and you’ve got the ongoing A&R enigma that is Paul Rose.
Now that musical diversity is the new black it’s almost refreshing to find a man who’s stuck to his guns as much as Sigha has. He doesn’t break much new ground on Abstractions as far as techno goes, but it’s constructed with a precision to detail that draws you in and demands your attention.
Released on Feb 20th
