Peer once again proves itself capable of exploring the outer limits of techno without deviating too far from that which makes it what it is. The Examination EP [Peer 006] consists of four tracks by the promising Annika Wolfe. It somehow manages to break from the label’s norm so far while sounding like music that couldn’t have landed anywhere else.

The title track opens the effort, and what an examination it is. The concept stands out as a case study of how carefully restrained melodies can play well with artful noise. Reverbed, undulating chime synths fall like droplets in a deluge of entropy that seems to mimic the unceremonious reality of time and space.

“Fusion” fires back its rebuttal in a familiar, robotic language with metallic hits that hold the listener’s attention long enough for suspenseful atmospheres to creep in. The breakdown signals something of an upheaval. When the bass and kick drums return, their curious rearrangement resolves a subtle, underlying tension.

Next on the tracklist is the crowd pleasing “Induced.” Defined by a percussive groove whose swing is emphasized by synth stabs at irregular, polyrhythmic intervals, the single is split into two acts each of which sees tension slowly rise to the forefront of the stereo Image.

“Sterile” concludes the EP on an eerie note, an audible longing ringing out in its suspenseful tones. The kick and bass underneath remain static for all but the breakdown. The resulting sense of permanence brings a necessary finality to a record that otherwise feels like it ought to go on forever.

The Examination EP certainly brings new ideas to Peer, but it signals no dramatic departure for the label. With every release, Peer demonstrates its understanding of techno more as a philosophy than a rigid range of sounds. Annika Wolfe found a fitting home for her recordings on the increasingly established imprint.

Words - John Cameron

Support the release here: https://peeraudio.bandcamp.com/album/examination

Follow Annika Wolfe:

IG - https://www.instagram.com/vonwolfenheiser.ox/

Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/annikawolfe

Twitter - https://twitter.com/vonwolfenheiser

RA - https://ra.co/dj/annikawolfe

Follow Peer:

Bandcamp - https://peeraudio.bandcamp.com/music

IG - https://www.instagram.com/peeraudio/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/peeraudio/

RA - https://ra.co/labels/22175

Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/PeerAudio

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/peeraudio

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