Avarice in Audio - Frostbite EP

It's been a while since I was this excited by a new signing from Belgian label Alfa-Matrix, and after listening to this new EP I can honestly say that they are onto a winner picking up Australian act 'Avarice in Audio'.

The group is made up of a pair of experienced producers who have between them made a big impact on the Australian scene in the last few years. Gerry Hawkins is well known for his project Cryogenic Echelon, while Jadei's production work and unique vocal style make her a perfect choice for this collaboration. The project is also guided by Lawrie who has in the past also been heavily involved in Alfa-Matrix with his own project Studio-X and many remixes. It's a long distance affair, with the trio split amongst three states, but that doesn't seem to deter them judging by the results.

The EP opens up with the strongest of the original tracks, 'Frostbite'. Trance inspired synths and cracking dance beats offer the perfect backdrop for Jadei's stellar vocal performance. I've been a big fan of her vocal style since I first heard material from her own projects, but I can honestly say that this track alone has cemented Jadei's place amongst the top female vocalists in Australia. It's an airy and polished vocal style that sits perfectly with this style of music, floating effortlessly above the synthetic elements. The track is very nicely crafted melodically, and should by all rights be received very favourably on the dance floor.

'Sleepwalking Societies' is the second of three original tracks on the disc, and once again hits the mark. This time around we hear Judah/Redux's vocals, and it's particularly impressive how these two manage to harmonise with each other. It's refreshing to hear a track so well crafted from a song writing perspective, the harmonies are very well thought out and executed. Once again the synth work is very well done, with distinctive influences from Cryogenic Echelon and Studio-X very easy to pick, for those familiar with these projects. A dubstep inspired interlude halfway through the track is well done, and works nicely in context.

The third track 'Heartless Disaster' features production and vocals by the UK duo XP8. A short way into the song, Jadei joins in and the track becomes an interesting counterplay between the two vocal styles. Stylistically, the track is rawer than the first two and showcases a dirty, powerful bassline that provides the bottom end for some interesting gliding synth effects.

The Studio-X club mix provides a harder, more uplifting and open mix. One of the highlights is an acapella interlude, which brings Jadei's vocals right to the forefront in a reverb-drenched moment that is one of the highlights of the EP. From a DJ perspective, I'd be just as happy to play the original cut in a club, but having this mix to choose from as well is icing on the cake.

The Heartwire remix takes original and supercharges it with energy, re-imagining it as an inspiring EBM inspired dance track. The bassline gives this take a whole new drive, and the choice of chords and synths is spot on. Being able to match the synths to the vocal lines like this is no easy task - it's very polished and very danceable.

And finally we see Jay Ruin's hand in this EP with a dark and dirty remix of 'Heartless Disaster'. Ruinizer has a knack for making anything sound evil, and it's no different here. The beats are the standout element in this remix, very varied and the perfect match to droning synths and a heavily effected vocal line. As a whole the album is uplifting and catchy, but it's an interesting touch to add a dark and twisted remix like this onto the end.

I'm sold, Avarice in Audio has got my attention and by all reports they are nearing completion of their debut album on Alfa-Matrix. I'm looking forward to it, and I can only hope that one day I'll be seeing these guys take their music to the stage.
Aug 06 2014