Characterised by a discernible signature of harmonious yet implicit tensions, DJ and producer Hayden Payne’s (aka Phase Fatale) contentious palette of both precise sonic and narrative elements shape his world of techno. Presenting his second EP of 2024, ‘Altars’, the BITE Label boss forecasts a confessional state looking onto a decomposing world through the perspective of frenetic energy, evolving polyrhythmic sequences and fleshy dancefloor vigour. Built on a trifecta of three original productions, as well as two featured remixes from Kangding Ray and Setaoc Mass, the extended play is a walk through of Phase Fatale’s cadence for dancing around the structural framework of his tracks with superlative control, entwining rhythms from contrasting metres of electronic composition. Altars’ production of electric reverberation follows a trajectory of cybernetic kicks, stabs of short circuit zaps and heartbeat style drum loops embellished by the serene textures of euphoric gleams and sensual chords, augmenting a sonic motif of dystopian salvation. The remixes fortify the body of works gritty soundscape with Kangding Ray’s complex sound aesthetics delivering a frantic buzz of sonic tachycardia and Setoac Mass’ experimental spliced shrapnel from the tracks origin creating murky, blizzard-like scatterings. Walking a fine line between themes of the divine and sacrilegious, Phase Fatale’s conscious composition of hedonistic, multi-layered techno and complex world-building narratives further emphasises his production's structure and geometry.
Categories
