Boasting one of the most revered and unique sounds in modern electronic music, EPROM is a man who needs little introduction. Born Sander Dennis, the Portland-based DJ/producer has established himself as a leading innovator amongst peers and fans alike. With fervent supporters including Flume, Aphex Twin, Flying Lotus, DJ Shadow, Diplo, Bassnectar, and more, EPROM’s demulsified sonic stylings feature a wide range of elements from acid-tinged hip-hop to searing garage mutations, ingeniously crafted synth and drum patterns, and even bizarre sound medleys that are utterly indescribable.
EPROM now invites listeners back into his sonic sci-fi world with a brand new EP, titled Aikon, out now on Deadbeats. The long-awaited EP features five new EPROM originals, including a collaboration with G JONES on “Daemon Veil.” A project in the works for over a year, Aikon delves deep into EPROM’s trademark sound while pushing the envelope as he experiments along the way.
Standout cuts like “Shirow Softworks” and “The Cat” hear EPROM construct a conglomerate of trip-hop inspired beats and melodic synth concoctions. As standalone pieces, the tracks seem entirely unrelated but are woven together in such a way that they create a complex and heady soundscape. The previously-released “Hope” adversely kicks things up a notch as EPROM tries his hand at bass-laden rave music, fusing together elements of throwback breakbeat and electronica à la The Prodigy.
“Each tune represents a unique point in my trajectory,” explains EPROM in a press statement. “For me, this release represents a step onto a bigger stage. I have always been reluctant to fully embrace the ethos of dance music, so I have previously kept my work underground, and to a certain degree, intentionally inaccessible. This EP is my take on pure rave music.”
Aikon comes on the heels of a string of releases that include two studio albums, over six EPs, official remixes for acts like The Glitch Mob, a collaborative EP with Barclay Crenshaw, and his lauded SHADES project alongside Alix Perez.
Fans can catch EPROM live in the coming months with a number of upcoming shows including Bassrush at Exchange LA, aboard Friendship, and at Montreal’s Igloofest. Find tickets here and a full list of tour dates below.