Sound of Berlin comes up trumps here with an electrifying debut from up-and-coming producer Marie Tjong-Ayong. The ‘Green Lashes EP’ arrives on February 24th, and marks her entrance onto the techno scene with an undeniable bang. The EP is one that’s infused with a percussive minimalism that harks back to the glory days of the genre.
With the ‘Green Lashes EP’, Tjong-Ayong delivers an immersive experience that takes listeners on a journey of abstract polyrhythms and glitched-out grooves. Fans of Bambounou’s ‘Final Conference’ and Facta’s ‘Emeline EP’ will feel right at home, as Tjong-Ayong masterfully blends elements of both to create something entirely new. Her ability to transport listeners to headspaces beyond the constraints of reality is a testament to the power of electronic music as a genre.
The EP’s opening track, ‘Kick In The Garden,’ sets the tone perfectly, with a minimal techno beat that hits hard without being too overwhelming. The track’s chirping chords and syncopated rimshots create a playful and groovy atmosphere that’s hard to resist. Tjong-Ayong herself describes it as “very playful” and hopes it will “animate [listeners] to dance.”
‘Than Sadet,’ on the other hand, is a completely different animal. Named after the National Park on the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand, the 7-minute track is a scenic drive that takes listeners on a journey through a beautiful island soundscape. Tjong-Ayong’s production skills shine here, with juddering baselines and thick organ chords holding the energy steady while subtle melodies ebb and flow. At 118 BPM, the Balearic vibes in Tjong-Ayong’s style are undeniable.
For Tjong-Ayong, ‘Green Lashes EP’ represents a new beginning. As her first finished tracks as a producer, she gave herself complete freedom to create something that represents her unique artistic vision. “To enter a new musical space and leave old habits and feelings behind when making music” was her goal, and it’s clear that she has accomplished that and much more besides.
Buy/listen to the release here
