‘Subway Yard’ | The Heavenly Combination of Echonomist and Adana Twins
Independent label TAU has yet again indulged us with a tantalising release - this time an energetic EP, ‘Subway Yard’, produced by a dreamy combination of Echonomist and label heads, Adana Twins.
2020 has already been an exciting year for Echonomist and his budding relationship with TAU, with his debut solo EP ‘Modern Wonder’ that he dropped back in January and his appearance on the label’s compilation ‘Spektrum 2’. It has also been a fruitful year for the influential duo after their successful release of their remix of Josh Wink’s ‘Higher State of Consciousness.’
Working together since 2006, Adana Twins are known for their darkly mysterious, emotionally charged music that has the ability to transport their listener to otherworldly realms. This signature sound is a product of the constant evolution of their style – from their house-influenced productions to their techno-inspired work. Echonomist is a passionately creative producer, who refuses to be limited by one genre as he floats between underground Tech House and Techno, constantly experimenting and exploring.
This high-powered collaboration has revealed the mastery of each respective artist, resulting in four tracks destined for the dance floor that boasts of sophistication and flair. This is a trio that does not compromise in quality and has constructed, for their listener, a nocturnal escapade in the Subway Yard.
Subway Yard
The titular track of the EP, ‘Subway Yard’ begins with an animated drum loop, unifying the deepness of the bass drum with the light touch of the high hats. 30 seconds into the track, we are greeted by an urgent refrain, low in tone and quick in pace, that we will eventually recognise as a foreshadowing of the refrain yet to come. It is a dark, penetrative atmosphere, building steadily before a melody is introduced, delighting our ears with the sound of otherworldly synths. The persistent nature of the baseline combined with the vibrancy of the synths invokes the image of an 80s arcade game, almost as though we, the listener, are the protagonists of a neon-fuelled mission, compelled to charge forward in awe. The trio fabricates for us a world steeped in the darkness of night, lit up only by the glint and glare of the synths as we adventure our way through the Subway Yard.
Into the Night
The second track, fittingly titled ‘Into the Night’, takes the listener even further into the nocturnal soundscape that Adana Twins and Echonomist have conjured up around us. There is a firmness to this track due to the heavy, thumping drum loop and the deep, mummering baseline. The captivating sounds of the synths wash over us before giving way to a number of different melodies, which then play in a sequence, keeping us on our toes – literally and metaphorically. It is sophisticated not only due to this layering that occurs but also because of its timeless nature. We are reminded of the artists’ genre-bending capabilities with the added cowbell, as the tune traverses the realms of electro and techno with a relentless energy.
Universal Dolls
The following track, ‘Universal Dolls’, abruptly slows us down with a 118 steadily pulsating BPM, but the listener cannot mistake this deceleration as a pause. Instead, we are met with a sullen main riff that cascades with a serious sense of haste. This track is the darkest yet as we are reminded that we are still on our mission, during which we may encounter sinister things. Like a platform video game, the track evolves from one stage to the next, as we climb from ledge to ledge, delving deeper into this universe. The main riff transitions from key to key, as emotive, reverbing synth melodies sing over the top – sometimes sustained, sometimes echoing the rapidity of the main riff, but always holding an atmosphere of deep mystery. Although this track is full of unpredictable surprises, we are constantly rooted by the eerily familiar repetitive main riff.
A Moment in Time
The final track of the EP, ‘A Moment in Time’, returns to the more up-beat nature of the first two tracks as we are back on our way again, heading towards our final goal (or, returning to the video game theme, our final level): the dance floor. Although the repeated refrains are simple, the layered melodies add complexity and texture to the track, carefully compiled to keep your body steadily moving. Halfway through, the repetition breaks and we are treated to a light and airy melody that floats high above and carries us with it in a transcendental moment of bliss. The song ends gradually, dropping layer by layer until we are left with the percussions from the start, enabling us to reflect on what we have just experienced. This tune is not only perfect for that end-of-the-night ecstasy you feel when the DJ drops his final tune, it is an atmospheric ball of energy that can mentally transport you to the dance floor, wherever you may be, as we are kept suspended in that moment of time.
‘Subway Yard’ is a deeply refined piece of work from Adana Twins and Echonomist, so successful that I can only hope that this trio collaborates more in the future. Together, they built a nocturnal universe, filled with mysterious vibes and a sense of adventure as they mastered the use of retro synths and captivating baselines. The image of the 80s arcade game was so vivid for me I would be fascinated to learn of the worlds that it creates for other listeners.
Review by Lucie Walker.
‘Subway Yard’ was released on TAU on September 25th 2020. You can purchase it here.