Fans of electronic duo Bent may already be aware of the solo creations that come from the mind of Simon Mills (aka Napoleon), but for those that aren’t, the very awesome Poke EP is an audio delight awaiting to please your ears. It’s his first release for 2018 & as a way to thank fans for their support so far, he’s letting listeners pay what they want for either or all of the 4 songs available. It follows on from the Peek EP that was released last November & more than tides fans over as they wait for Simon’s anticipated forthcoming album Harmonic Jigsaws Vol. 1.
The first track ‘Subida’ is co-written with Joel Hood & a wonderful choice to start this expedition. You’re greeted with a kick, clap & an enchanting synth that takes you away to a tranquil place where you can make yourself at home, put your feet up or just let go. Funky number ‘Eagle City Nights’ follows & further eases you into the good vibes that the release has to offer. A loungey synth glides along with the addition of some finger clicks that are accentuated with the appearance of cowbells, hi hats & kicks that all help shape the tempo. The vocal sample & harmonious guitar strum that enter, take us toward a smooth breakdown before all the elements rejoin to conclude this fantastic tune.
Spacey galactic synths & bongos light the way for the next song ‘DaserLisc’, where a solid analogue bass builds with the combination of spliced vocals that drift into a rising happy synth sample which conjure up a warmheartedness that is reminiscent to artists like The Avalanches or Vanilla. Ensued with another delightful beginning, ‘Minty Biscuits’ feels like the soundtrack for the start of any awesome day. The synth lines & samples flow with some unique breakdowns & changes along the way that remain pleasant on the ears for the entirety of the song, making for a satisfying cap off to a release with tonnes of replay value that easily makes the listener want to return.
Shannon Dickson – April 27, 2018
Simon Mills’s Poke EP can be streamed via bandcamp below. NYP and Get the EP from here
Poke EP
Simon Mills (ENG)
Self Released
Napoleon Official
Full EP Stream
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