Daedelus - Righteous Fists Of Harmony

Daedelus never ceases to surprise. His albums draw influences and samples from areas untouched by other electronic musicians and a new direction is almost obligatory with every release. Still, creating a concept EP about The Boxer Rebellion of the late 19th century is eccentric even for this man. It all opens with ominous electronic pulses, filtering into string arrangements stolen from old Disney cartoons, with grainy kick drums pouncing through clarinets. A battalion of acoustic guitars greets us in Tidal Wave Uprising, galloping over each other to form beautifully loose harmonies. Then there’s the sensational baroque-pop ambience of Stampede, evoking an oriental flavoured Wild Beasts. It's a confounding, challenging and ultimately rewarding release, entirely what Daedelus promised from the start.[Gordon Bruce]