London-based producer Ani On Keys showcases an intersection of Carnatic tradition and contemporary electronic music on Liminal Frequencies, a four-track EP blending Indian instrumentation with progressive house, synthwave, and breakbeats. Entirely written and produced by Ani, the release moves between cinematic string arrangements, hypnotic club rhythms, and richly melodic passages with adventurous fluidity.
Kicking off the EP, “Kaala Chakram: The Echoes of Time” unfolds with a wonderful, colorful momentum. Initial flashes of strings meld with a clock-like rhythmic presence, intriguing as more cinematic, vibrant strings enter. Twinkling elements compel amidst this excellent build-up, with further layers of strings adding a grandiose elegance thereafter; the instrumentation and lovely melodic flow remind me fondly of the Shenmue OST in this first half, while the second half stirs in its thumping rhythmics and overall effervescence.
The rest of the release captivates as well. The ensuing “Thrishanku Heaven: Swaras in Suspension” feels set in the far reaches of tranquility, melding calming synths with a sample of a flight attendant speaking. Pit-pattering rhythms develop into further gorgeous synth work, shifting between arpeggiated allure, club-ready rhythms, and an eventual house-friendly vigor. Next up, “Breaq-qaw-wali: The Rebel’s Mehfil” glows with lush piano, funky bass bounciness, and a range of absorbing Indian instrumentation; the backing harmonies stir as well. Finale “Stay Ahead: The Astra Awakening” caps it off with further stylishness, with a spoken emergence of dark times and a beckoning to “stay ahead” following a melodic synth-forward build. Liminal Frequencies is an excellently melodic EP from Ani On Keys.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
