Hmmm...
Listening for the first time right now. I wasn't sold at the beginning, but then 3:04 happened... Rick really has a way with texture that a lot of electronic musicians just don't take the time to investigate (present company excluded, of course). It's clean. But gritty. And distorted. And warm. But cold. And spikey. But soft. It's certainly better than some of the low moments of Barking. The vocals are erring a little on the Sleaford Mods side of spoken lyrics (which I know are derivative of Karl in a way) and there are some Damon Albarn-ey tones to things as well, which I like.
I'm diving in again...
My initial thoughts were... When I see them live this year (because damn if I'm not going to see them somewhere), how is this going to sit next to Pearl's Girl and Kittens? But actually, it's a little reminiscent of JAL to Tokyo with its obnoxiousness, even if it is a little slow, which worked so well as a set opener back in 2005.
I'm excited for the rest. I was apprehensive when I saw how many tracks there were. But this is very exciting. I will be playing this a lot this week, I can tell.
Good times.
EDIT: I am in love.
Dude. Tell me you're coming back through San Francisco. Eric Prydz is doing a massive show on February 26th here.
I'm staying in Portland with my missus for most of the time, but I'm hoping we'll get some time to venture out to places. She used to live in the Bay Area so we'll definitely be down to visit at some point! I'll let you know.