The past year seemed to play out well for Bristol based Hodge. Releasing a number of unrelenting tracks on Livity Sounds sub label Dnuos Ytivil, Tempa and Hotline Recordings. All of which nestled him securely amongst his peers.
Joining up with label Berceuse Heroique for his latest release, we seem to witness a more confident Hodge who is opening up to his own sound.The title track, You Better Lie Down, has an enjoyably gritty texture that somehow manages to still produce a dance floor worthy melody. His tense synths creating a hostile atmosphere which builds up pressure with weighty rhythms. Not stopping for a moment. Teasing out sirens to intensify the stark sense of danger looming from this track.
The other tracks on the EP are an opening into Hodge’s more experimental sounds. He doesn’t flaw for a second - he seems to have reached this dark soundscape where the listener is playfully challenged at how they are now going to react. Blurring the lines between the music and the dancefloor. Exodus Blues builds up an aching tension and has made some brave use of animal samples which crush in and out of play whilst the short and sweet Return To The East gently zones us out with its ambiance.
With Kowton’s praise already over Hodges upcoming releases I can only hope he’s digging even deeper and darker into his sounds in the coming year.
Jo-anna Kalinowska
