Oberman Knocks – Beatcroff Splinters EP

Oberman Knocks were the first band to be released by Andrea Parker's ultra-hip aperture label back in 2009; 2012 sees them returning to the fold with a new full-length album. Released in tandem with the album, Beatcroff Splinters features remixes and reworkings of that album's highlights. Warp legends Plaid break down Degonnt Type Runners into a clanking, stuttering slice of dark, minimal electro which sits half-way between hip-hop and house.

Ex-Bitstream member Uexkell evokes Selected Ambient Works-era Aphex on his re-rub of Lenkmyte, while fellow Bitstream-er Adapta takes the template laid down in early Squarepusher – super-fast 303 squelches and effects-heavy distortion – and transmutes it into a Liars-esque slice of vocal ambient electro. Ghostly International's Michna hacks Cozermas into stripped, lo-fi grime drums and reverb-drenched synth stabs, while Oberman Knocks' own remix of Konshun Four manages to meld heavily-distorted hip-hop kicks with distant, echoing Vangelis synth-strings and shimmering, half-heard vocals. It's a solid, inventive release, and a welcome return from one of aperture's most interesting producers.