Noel Jackson – Acid Test EP

Detroit born Hypertone label boss and a partner in Superfreq, Noel Jackson is next up to release on the ever-excellent label. The LA native also works with Mr C as East LA Tek, gets support for his records from the likes of Kevin Saunderson and Stacey Pullen and is revered for his compelling and singular sound. That sound is once again laid bare here across a five track mini album that really permeates brain and body in equal measure.
 
Made using a Roland 303, a custom modular synth, Nord and various field recordings and vocals, this mini LP “was produced quickly – on purpose, in the span of about 3 (long) days. This was an experiment in honesty and intention. Each track comes from my heart and soul, each sound crafted by hand, with the notion of delivering music without regard to judgement.”
 
Up first on this truly journeying release is ‘Intention (via LSD)’, a slick and serene trip to the edges of our galaxy. Ripping little synths, gurgling bass and icy percussion all make it an enthralling, groovy ride. ’30 Micrograms’ is a slippery tech house cut with spooky synth details, scurrying little alien sounds and a deep groove you hope never ends. Majestic, cosmic melodies colour things later on and have your mind fully suspended in space as a result.
 
Next up, ‘Qrak + Pink Elephants’ finds Jackson stripping things back to a minimalistic groove with slinky, feathery percussive lines dancing over uninterrupted kicks. It’s cerebral, heady, late-night electronic music that will carry dancefloors far, far away.
 
‘Formula C20H25N3O’ is a lively melange of chattery synths and melodies, weird voices and rubbery click tracks that makes you want to move every bone in your body, such it its sense of hi tech funk.  Closing out this ambitious but coherent sonic journey is ‘Acid Test #0’, an undulating track with haunting pads, freely evolving acid lines and soulful, Detroit referencing synths.
 
Across five expert tracks, Noel lays out his futuristic electronic vision in fantastically fine style and expands minds, bodies and souls in the processŠ dancefloors watch out!