PALLADIAN - Surfaces EP

February 26, 2021 - Future Archive Recordings

Following a string of quality remixes, single releases, and rooftop live sessions, the culmination of Barcelona-based duo PALLADIAN is here with their first EP, Surfaces. 

The project opens with ‘Birth,’ which is not so much a surface, but a feeling of awakening. Melodic lines spread forth from the void, filling the cracks and crevices like a viscous liquid. It’s a soft opening, a gentle ease into the minds of the artists. A distant vocal sample calls out over the flowing melody; distant but tender, anonymous but familiar. Rougher plucked lines emerge from under their crisper electronic counterparts, field recorded ambiance and calculated cleanliness combining in the most satisfying of ways.

‘Birth’ glides into ‘Soil,’ a more tangible surface to contemplate. The track takes its time, with meandering percussion at center stage next to a central bassline. The elements are minimal but saturated, with rich tones folding in on themselves and rhythmic clicks and snaps covering the landscape like warm rain. An equally warm and rich vocal sample from South Africa’s King Star Brothers pushes the emotional depth of the piece further. The duo turns their sights inward with ‘Fur,’ and my previous thoughts on this surface stand. PALLADIAN zooms in on a moment like a fractal, shimmering edges twisting and folding in on each other to form new edges. Light piano chords dance around sliced vocals, every bar restarting the hopeful journey towards the light, like snowflakes or dust motes caught in a crosswind. This treatment continues the trend of the pair to play with duality, with sharp staccato elements vying for a place among softer chords and swells. The vocals here are kept at arm’s length, propping up tender nostalgia against a very dance-friendly awareness.

Next is ‘Goosebumps,’ a universal surface well suited for PALLADIAN’s knack for getting under skin, emotions, and thoughts. Similar to ‘Birth,’ ‘Goosebumps’ imparts a feeling of awakening, or at least of transition from one state to another. A slightly dissonant but non-abrasive tone rings out in the distance as a solitary figure hums a light melody into the napes of our necks. Tension builds from here as percussive elements join in, with the climax occurring just after the track itself ends. ‘Carpets’ rounds off the project and smartly picks up the energy from ‘Goosebumps.’ My thoughts on the track within the context of the Surfaces project remain, as field recorded ambiance opens up to a wider world of plucked strings and distorted vocals. The main melody rises up like an anthem, rhythmically mirroring the kick drum and bass. Plucked tones begin to multiply, ping-ponging around the space like small orbs of light. The pressure builds with the heavier tones and urgent vocals, leaving the quieter melodic elements to dance in and out of focus.

PALLADIAN have crafted a wonderful project with Surfaces that sees the pair play to their strengths in micro world-building through tension and nostalgia. The tracks here ebb and flow but ultimately all move the listener forward, ready for the next experience, next memory, next emotion. It’s a promising start for the artists and we look forward to the next journey. 🍍