aaamusic | On 27, May 2011

Following hot on the heels of the impressive ‘Figurine/Techno Cygnets’ single, Scarlett Etienne returns with two more intricately constructed techno tracks for her own Starlett Records imprint, to be released at the beginning of June. Infusing the deep and driving dancefloor sensibilities of the aforementioned single with her own ethereal vocals and deft melodic touch, Etienne creates a unique hybrid sound that has the ability to take the dancefloor into new realms entirely.

‘Naked Eye’ is a restlessly mutating techno track that fuses together layers intricately as it expands over its eerie eight-minute duration. Opening on the sparse drum pattern, Etienne builds synth layers that lithely wind their way around the gritty bass tones that pulse through the underbelly of the track. As the siren call of her vocals emerges through the ether like a spectral descendant of the Cocteau Twins, the central synth motif claws through the atmospheres to take centre stage as the track erupts, at once recalling both a minimal sonic aesthetic and the brutal power of electro. The billowing pads create an expansive sense of space allowing the melody to buzz through it with an electric spark.

‘Wiki Squeaks’ dives straight in with the low kick thud and juxtaposed synth stabs which give it a taut groove reminiscent of the jarring rhythms of the Ed Banger camp that carries the force of the open bass pulses. These interlocked foundations drive the track forward as Etienne builds sheets of atmospheres and textures around them which slowly envelop the track. Her Shirley Manson-esque vocals ripple through the track diffusing through the space in the rhythm as the track crescendos beautifully in a swirl of dancing synths, haunting vocals and tough bass. Matching driving rhythms and evocative pads with infectious synth hooks and vocal motifs, ‘Wiki Squeaks’ is a genre-defying example of Etienne’s irrefutable musical talents.