Band: Antigen Shift
EP: Talk
Release Date: October 7, 2022
Genre: Post-Industrial/ Noise-Synth
The veteran post-industrial, noise-synth collaboration between producers Nicholas Theriault and Jairus Khan, known as Antigen Shift, has unveiled their EP, Talk.
The five-song release begins with the title track and previous single, “Talk.” Now, I’m no expert on these genres and will admit I was a bit confused by the sounds I was hearing. The duo says the track is about the aforementioned “keyboard warriors” on the internet, who troll around in comment sections, usually only offering frustration and little aid to those who need it. It sets the distorted and harsh tone. This is certainly true, and although it’s not up my alley, there are moments throughout the track when the beat did transport me into the music.
Next, “Sugar and Stamps” follows the same beat as “Talk,” although seems to add even more drums and a bit less fuzz. This track is fully instrumental and piqued my interest. I enjoyed the beat on this track and even found myself immersed in the music, which proves you don’t have to know anything about a genre to enjoy it. I always give all types of music a chance because you never know what will catch your attention.
“No Renewable” begins with a hyped-up beat, like something from a sci-fi movie. With limited spoken vocals, you quickly find yourself emersed in the beat, forgetting where you are, grooving in your seat to the trance-inducing music.
“Lest You Be Witches” is probably my favourite track on the release, leaning heavily on the synth side of the duo. The track gives off a strong EDM vibe with a hypnotic feel throughout. You don’t even miss the vocals on this track. It’s as it should be, purely instrumental, filled with oscillating synths and witch house snares.
Closing the EP, there is a remix of “Lest You Be Witches” by Iszoloscope. Although I prefer the original version, the remix adds much more of the post-industrial/ noise vibe, similar to “Talk” and “Sugar and Stamps.” The remix also is longer, coming in at just over 5 minutes. Throughout the track, there are ringing bells and sounds similar to chimes, adding another element to the track, and although my first thought was that it wouldn’t work, it does. The different layers throughout the remix make it sound like a completely different song, which is fascinating to me.
Being unfamiliar with the post-industrial/ noise-synth genres, I was apprehensive about this release, but once I got into it, I enjoyed making my way through each song and immersing myself in the music.
Lesson of the day: Even if you are unsure about something, give it a go. You may end up enjoying yourself!