17th February 2010

Audio with 16 plays with 2 notes

Datus - Stavrogin
Masc, Fem, Neut (Limbic Systems)

Datus, a four-piece project based out of Brooklyn, dropped three new EP’s on WMUA this week, and since their arrival in my possession, they’ve not left my “Now Playing” list for even a second.

Each disc has its own particular feel to it.  The fuzzed-out, effected basslines on ”Ipsum” and the gnarly, distorted, instrumental duet on “Stavrogin” exude the power that becomes a defining characteristic of Masc.  Fem features the voices of the female members of the group prominently, and at times the EP feels almost like a lost Portishead record.

While Masc and Fem might be a bit easy to place due to their titles, Neut is a bit tougher to pin down.  I think the best I can do in describing it is to tell you that it’s weirder.  My favorite cut on this disc, “Ice Haven,” contains a sort of droning texture, and some crunchy sax, two things of which I’ve grown quite fond.  The first two tracks are out, but the last two are much easier to handle … this one’s got range.

You can find all three EP’s streaming right at Datus’ website, so I don’t know why you’re not there right now.

Tagged: better living through chemistryice to meet you