XP8 - One Of Three: Nigredo

As the press release so put, it's been about one year since XP8 released Adrenochrome and the remix EP, Meathead's Lost HD, which were both met to critical acclaim. Based on the reception, one could even say the two had the most rewarding impact on the duo, and thus forth, to continue with that momentum, they have announced the Alchemy Series. The series will consist of three EPs which will be released no less than six months from one another. And, today, on June 6th, the first of those EPs have come knocking at my doorstep.

And the first step would be Nigredo, a blackening in a sense. Now, in alchemy, it's said that there are three phases in turning a lesser element into a noble one (EX: lead into gold). And, thus forth, they figured the first step would be to cook all materials to a uniform black. However, in philosophical terms, this can be translated to the human timeline. In all other sense, Nigredo comes about when we cannot find fulfillment, or we find a sadness, a wall that we cannot overcome no matter how hard we try, and thus forth, a sense of a blackened livelihood comes across.

And, therefore, we come to the music of the EP. What will most likely become a nice hit on the floor started off the EP in the form of Dolly Was A Raver. I don't know why, but I immediately enjoyed the title, which most definitely helped me attract to it. Definitely EDM centric, having little electronic tidbits spread throughout. The vocals were solid, a slight effect on them, but going along very well with the song.

Engage The Bass was pretty much self titled in a sense. The bass is definitely engaged, pumping out another club friendly tune that flirts with trance elements. There's a bit of an echo effect on the vocals which really creates a feeling like you're at a venue.

And, coming in with more of an EBM beat than before would be Primitive. More echo effects surround the vocals, and the low key beat allows you to appreciate more of the electronic effects that were spread around the song.

As the fourth track on the song, Troll Control brings in a more funky beat than before. Using a lot more odd effects, those that I could compare to something one might find in a video game, it was a fun little song to come across.

Lastly, striking the EP would be a remix by Phaezek 4, and, hell, I think this is the best track on this EP. The trance laden lines completely stole the show. Even when the main chorus disappeared and a more bouncey beat took control, I really enjoyed it. So, congrats to this man for creating possibly one of my favorite remixes thus far.

But, that's where the EP ends. XP8 surely have a nice following, but they are sure to attract more and more should they keep their efforts up. But, not only that, this is just the first of three steps to the final product. And that's what I'm most curious about; if this alchemical process should turn lead to gold, or man to God, than I can only expect astounding music to be released within the final EP of this series. And that, ladies and gentleman, has me in anticipation more than you could imagine. Jun 07 2014