Shaytoon

Sepehr Alimaghams first LP pays tribute to the 1970s Iranian pop albums he grew up listening to, particularly with its striking sleeve art, which sports Farsi calligraphy and a picture-frame layout on its back cover. The music itself alludes to the records as well, particularly in the intro and outro tracks, which incorporate delicate hand percussion patterns within a mystical haze of fluorescent electronics, spaced-out voices, and detached basslines. While Sepehr has previously explored tech-house, acid, and drumnbass, much of Shaytoon can be described as trippy, abstract electro. His tracks seem minimal and repetitive, but theyre still quite detailed, and his choice usage of vocal samples or synth textures form the pieces into evocative mini-scenes. Contamination sports a midtempo beat which hints at old-school rap, joined by a shadowy, repeating vocal sample and sinister, atmospheric synth pads. Subsequent tracks, including the suspenseful, acid-drenched Hallucination Express and the stunning Consortium, are filled with fast, snapping electro beats and scattered, shredded vocals. It gets no tougher than Magma, a booming joint reminiscent of I-F at his hardest. Good for club play in the right hands, but better for late-night home listening, Shaytoon is a potent, thrilling set of mind expanders. ~ Paul Simpson