Download: Pastels Paints Pictures with Sound

It’s no secret that we Truants love our woozy electronica, those trippy, melodic hazy sounds just do something to us. The latest EP on Two Tap Digital, from Shells, is a gem, a perfect example of this delectable sound. His label draws comparisons with Four Tet and The Album Leaf, and for once such comparisons aren’t far off. “Pastels” feels like a short symphony of bliss, starting off with a simple five-note repeated theme, which gives muted way to a series of shuffling, almost jazzy beats complemented by a similarly muted bassline. All of a sudden both disappear only for a less organic but just as gentle synth riff to kick in. All three elements then combine to form a Four Tet-esque groove that makes me melt. “Clay” is a similar shuffling groover, while “Mulberry Parade” is both more upbeat and more muffled. It’s like he’s taunting you with dancefloor tempos but is keeping the vibe so low key that it’s definitely not dancefloor friendly. But it’s “Pastels” that I’ve had this on repeat since the EP landed in my inbox last week, and I’m sure it’ll provoke the same reaction with you too. You can get the whole EP here.

Download: Shells – Pastels (320 kbps)

Aidan Hanratty

Dublin ...