Review Summary: No-wave Bedroom producer Joy Graves will blow your mind with his distinctive mix of analogue production and electric samples; coupled with rhythmic wisdom. A 20 minute ride across the universe.
The 24 year old sonic wizard really expresses himself quite clearly on this album. Surprising considering the eclectic mix of sounds that appear in this crazy EP. Opening track "Misery Meat" may just pound your ears into submission and put you off the rest of the record. Regardless, I challenge you not to start tapping your feet by the time you're hit with the middle tracks in 'Awful Nature'.
In 'Ra-hide away' I feel like I'm the main character in a ***ty sci-fi film. I've probably just found myself in space, I don't remember how I got here. But I know there's only one way to go. Forward. What the hell is on this space ship? Aliens? Fellow Crew members? But just as the space door is opened there is a change of tempo on the next track.
Title track "Awful Nature parts I -II" is the best part of the album. Clocking in at over 6 minutes, it's a real journey. Let’s continue our space metaphor. At this point in the film, the space door opens, and oh my, it’s some grey aliens who instill fear in you just by there presence. What do they want? Why do those deep black eyes hypnotise so well?
Watch for the cheeky voice sample as the song seems to end, oops but then it just kicks into another gear. This must be part "II" of the title track. The tempo changes towards the end of this track squeezing and releasing the track in a really nauseating yet fun way. As we coast through this glorious track we still are unsure if the aliens are friend or foe, but we don't we mind because we are FLYING THE SPACESHIP.
"Rad Funeral," What a sensational name for a track and I'm guessing this sneaky producer has a good sense of humour amongst all the surface angst. I'm getting some Sabbath vibes on this track, it must be that tight organ sample and that drum machine programmed by someone who really understands how important rhythm and simplicity are to song structure.
I sense real potential in this guy. I'm anticipating the release of his full length album. Word on the street is we won't get it till 2017. Get this thing at your own price here http://joygraves.bandcamp.com/ while he's still relatively unknown.
