Last night saw the launch of US-born Londoner Karen Gwyer’s newly released LP, Needs Continuum, the newest addition to No Pain In Pop’s excellent roster of complex yet instantly accessible genre-melding releases. Working outwards from a core formed of the infectious bounce, skitter and thump of Chicago house, Karen spins a web of collapsed rhythmic variations, expansive, emotive synths and malfunctioning analogue electronics, described aptly by herself as ‘labyrinthine plasmic pulsations’. It revels in its throwback aesthetic but combines it effortlessly with modern techniques to form myriad crystalline soundscapes and engage on multiple levels. Tons of fun, richly rewarding and highly recommended.
Stream in full here:
Image is by Jason Evans.
